Mel Cronin is a community-centered program and project leader with over a decade of experience in outreach, volunteer management, and equity-focused initiatives. She has led engagement strategies at start-up organizations like LHM Social Services Foundation, Dawn Chorus Group, and 412 Food Rescue, building strong partnerships and scalable systems to serve diverse communities. Her work spans food security, transitional housing, and public health education, always rooted in dignity and impact. Mel holds a degree in Sociology and International NGO Management and is certified as a Master Gardener and Watershed Steward. She’s been honored with Pittsburgh Magazine’s “40 Under 40” and the Who’s Next: Community Leader award.
Outside of work, Mel enjoys jigsaw puzzling, hiking Pennsylvania’s trails, and spending time playing bingo with her grandmother—where she rarely wins but always laughs.
Co-presenting with Mel is Ellen Abbott. Ellen is the Director of Development at LHM Social Services Foundation, where she leads fundraising efforts to support the Horizons transitional housing program. A skilled communicator with experience spanning the environmental, education and social sectors, Ellen is proud to call the Harrisburg area home and brings a deep belief in the strength and potential of this community to her work. Ellen’s interest in community-based solutions to homelessness began in high school during an internship at Downtown Daily Bread and deepened through volunteer work with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund in Pittsburgh, PA, while obtaining her undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Ellen returned to the Harrisburg area and spent several years as the business manager of a small, K-12 nonprofit school, followed by a few years in the private sector working as an executive assistant and managing corporate giving for a Fortune 500 country. Drawn back to the nonprofit world by a desire to be more directly connected to community-impact, and by the mission-driven purpose and strong organizational structure of LHM Foundation.
Outside of work, Ellen enjoys cooking and hosting dinners for friends and family, attending local events, and caring for her 16-years-young dachshund, Cookie.
