Melissa Blaustein

Melissa Blaustein is the founder and CEO of Allied for Startups, a worldwide network of advocacy organizations improving the global policy environment for startups and entrepreneurs. She is also a member of the city council of Sausalito, California, elected in 2020 and served as the city’s youngest mayor in 2023. Prior to this, Blaustein was vice mayor in 2022 and vice chair of Sausalito’s sustainability commission from 2018 to 2021. Her background in policy and advocacy includes roles at the White House, U.N. Women, UNEP, G20 Research Group and with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Blaustein has been a featured speaker and podcast guest at U.S. Mayoral Round Table, C40 Cities, Cities Summit of the Americas, SXSW and National League of Cities.