Dynamic, Diverse, Dedicated

Melissa Peñate founded Peñate Consulting LLC in 2022, bringing nearly a decade of experience in purchasing and procurement, grant writing, government and business operations, and local government. Before establishing her own firm, Melissa served as the City Clerk for the City of Lilburn, Georgia, where her meticulous attention to detail, critical thinking, leadership, and expertise made her an invaluable asset to every organization she worked with.

As a first-generation Salvadoran graduate, Melissa earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia Gwinnett College and a Master of Public Administration from Liberty University. She further enhanced her expertise by completing professional training courses and earning her Certified Municipal Clerk designation through the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute, Georgia Clerks Institute (GCI), and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC).

Melissa’s commitment to community and leadership is evident in her extensive involvement with various organizations. She has served as the Social Media & Marketing Committee Chair for the Georgia Municipal Clerks Association, Secretary for the Georgia Gwinnett College Alumni Board, and as a board member on the True Change Board. Her dedication to fostering connections within the business community extends to her roles as a former ambassador for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and a current ambassador for the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

In the past year, Melissa completed the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce cohorts "La Jeffa League" and "Eleva," as well as the WBENC "WeIgnite" & "WeThrive" programs. Throughout her journey, Melissa’s faith has been her guiding force, inspiring her to uplift others and make a lasting impact in both her community and the businesses she serves.