| M. Dante is a respected wordsmith, qualitative researcher, public speaker, and prior photographer. Known for justice based blogging, critical writing, and communication workshops, she is also popular for her more esoteric creative non-fiction and poetry. She has been active in public discussion on street-based lifestyles, survival sex, work, and trafficking since 2003; writing on topic since the early 1990s in support of programs and legislation essential to empowerment, community health and human rights. Perhaps best defined as a cultural anthropologist Melanie is now a published author and curator of commentary with her first book in print by Mockingbird Publishing.
Contributing to projects combining her background in the creative arts, the health arts and sciences, volunteer service, and her familiarity of urban dynamics, Melanie enjoys an active, cosmopolitan lifestyle in Greater Philadelphia /Valley Forge. BACK STORY: As a Goddard College graduate (BA 2003 / HAS MA 2005), Melanie has a strong sense of community, along with immense respect for individualism. Receiving the Drexel University Deans Scholarship for excellence in research, Melanie selected to stay between her home in Lancaster, PA and her studies in Plainfield, VT, completing the then newly established Goddard College Health Arts & Sciences (HAS MA) program. The HAS MA was an interdisciplinary program founded on the principle that community health, personal health, and the health of the natural world are equal.
In 2009 the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) awarded Melanie a grant to complete a small business start up program offered by Assets Lancaster. As a result of Assets, she operated a unique craft and collectibles project, Beautiful Day Creations, through the death of her mother, who shared company with her after having to retire early as a result of Multiple Sclerosis.
Stepping up to community challenges during CoVid she currently continues with the calling of licensed care in home and health environments, serving counties of South Eastern and Central PA, along with maintaining communications and case management for re/entry support specific to incarceration and trafficking.
Often asked from where she hails, Melanie is a vibrant thread in the weave of the American tapestry. Originally from Boston's North Shore, she lived in Coastal Florida and New Mexico during her middle school years as a result of her parent's creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. Independent since 16, she moved to Brooklyn at 18, living between New York and San Francisco for over a decade. Pennsylvania has been "home" since 1999.
Goddard College adviser Katt Lissard wrote: "Melanie was always a pleasure to work with. She's articulate, intelligent, highly creative, and has a strong sense of justice and the individual's right to personal freedom. Her work moves between the transgressive & the transformative, always including compassion & heart.”
2019: 2019 D/17 Philly IDTEVASW
2019 SWOP Behind Bars 2018 SWOP Behind Bars 2018 Incarnation Institute Of Sex & Faith IISF 2018 The Erotic Literary Salon Philadelphia 2018 Philadelphia FIGHT Re Entry and Prison Health Care Summit 2018 Goddard College Presentation 2018 Retreats From Oblivion The Journal Of Noir Con 2018 Word Press Word Camp Bethlehem 2018 Blind Filmmaker David Block
2017
Poetry Finalist: Faulkner - Wisdom Competition “The
total number of poems entered for 2017 is 163, of which
47 were selected as Finalists.” The competition
received over 3,000 overall submissions. More
information:
www.wordsandmusic.org
December
9th 2017 “Retrograde Poetic” was shared at the
Verbal Sanctuary for Sexual Expression at Philadelphia
Museum of Art Perelman Building as part of a special
Literary Salon group presentation organized by Susana
Mayer, PhD.
2017 Dotlen Academy Of Science
2017 National M.S. Society GRC
2017 Crossroads Women’s Center
2017 ESPU-Philly
2016 Read by 4th Lead Tutor
2015 Suffolk County Community College
2015 Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco
2015 Lit-quake San Francisco
2015 J/Noir P M Press
2015 Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance
2015 Philadelphia / Project SAFE
2013-2015 Community United for Safety and Protection (CUSP)
2012-2015 The ESPLER Project / ESPU San Francisco
2012-2014 Lady Dahlia Entertainment
2012-2015 The Erotic Literary Salon Philadelphia
2015 Philadelphia Fight End AIDS
2015 SEXx Interactive in affiliation with "Sex with Timaree" and
GALAEI
2015 Regain That Feeling with Dr. Mitch Tepper, PhD M P D
2015 Noir Riot
2014 Sen-Sexual E-Anthology in affiliation w. The Philadelphia
Erotic Literary Salon
2014 The Projection Booth Podcast hosted by Mike White and Rob
St. Mary
2014 Faulkner Society Short Story Finalist
Archived Projects Include:
Philadelphia 2012 - 2013
2012-2014 IOTA: The Arlington Poetry Mic Hosted by Miles David
Moore
2012 The Walking Fish Theater Philadelphia
2012 HeadPress 2.6: Collaborative interview with V.Vale of
ReSearch Publications
2012 PA Ballot Access Coalition, Philadelphia and Harrisburg
2012-2014 Free Tours by Foot Philadelphia
2012-2013 Sales Gaspillee: Upstairs at The Irish Pol
Lancaster 2005-2011
Kalargyros Gallery
Dosie Dough Bakery
Dog Star Books
Millersville University/ Ganser Gallery
Franklin & Marshall College 2005-2011 FUND RAISERS Clare House (Shelter for Women) Crispus Attucks Community Center Team American Spirit The National M.S. Society
The Red Thread 2005-2011 FREELANCE & COMMUNITY EVENTS CB Richard Ellis, Philadelphia Christina's Pantry, Lancaster DJ Gerri Hoff & The International Network, Lancaster Dog Star Books, Lancaster Eyes Wide Open /American Friends Service Committee, Lancaster Gallery 141, Lancaster Goodman Creations, Lancaster HeadPress, UK Mimi Shapiro, Lancaster Octavia & the Earthblood Blues Band, Paradise Padmani Kundalini Yoga Products, Lancaster Party of One, Lancaster / NYC The Maternal Diva Rose Hudson, York Andy Black's Necronomicon, UK Barrel Entertainment, Detroit
Beautiful Day Creations Memorial Website
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