Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz is a Venezuelan-American communications expert, strategic storyteller, and connector of people. She is the co-founder and CEO of Refuerzo Collaborative, a Latina-owned communications agency nurturing the stories that reinforce community. Inspired by her mother’s mantra, "cada cabeza es un mundo" ("everyone’s head is their own world"), Fabiana brings a deep curiosity and authenticity to every story she helps tell.

In 2023, she launched Refuerzo with Ashley Alaniz-Moyer to challenge how traditional agencies overlook Spanish-speaking communities and prioritize short-term wins over long-term impact. In its first year, the agency secured top-tier coverage for clients in Architectural Digest, Well+Good, Familia by Parents, and more. Refuerzo was invited to the UN’s Hispanic Leadership Summit in 2023 and won the 2024 ¡BRAVO! Award from the Hispanic Public Relations Association for its work with nonprofit Con Mi Madre, as well as the Austin Young Chamber’s Young Professional Led Business Award.

Fabiana’s career spans roles across public relations firms and in-house positions, developing campaigns for industries from tech and science to restaurants and authors. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Inc., Texas Monthly, and others. She’s supported events like Formula 1 and Texas Tribune Festival and champions micromedia strategy and influencer campaigns.

Beyond work, Fabiana is committed to service. She serves on the City of Kyle’s Arts & Cultural Commission, Future Front Texas’s advisory, and boards including the Women’s Storybook Project. She’s been a mentor with the Kendra Scott Institute at The University of Texas at Austin, an advisor for Houston Christian University’s Women in Leadership, and a business plan coach for Empowering Women Out of Prison.

Her leadership has been recognized with awards from Women Communicators of Austin, AWC, and the Young Women’s Alliance. In 2024, she was named a finalist for the DAA Distinguished Communicator of Color Honor and listed in Austin Woman Magazine’s Changemakers list.

Fabiana holds a BA from St. Edward’s University and is an alum of the KIPP Leadership Accelerator, Leadership Austin, and Notley Fellowship. She frequently shares her insights at conferences, events, and universities across Texas.