Melanie Mena has More than 20 years working in the food industry, training employees and finding solutions to improve company performances. She was named Director of Community Engagement with Garden Fresh Gourmet in March 2016, in addition to the Director of Training role she held since 2010.

Melanie left Garden Fresh Gourmet on September of 2018.

During her experience with Garden Fresh Gourmet, Melanie coordinated activities through Campbell’s Healthy Communities Metro Detroit. She worked with nonprofit partners to improve the health of the region’s young people, and with other local partners to promote healthy living within Detroit-area communities.

Internally, she coordinated all team engagement projects, including volunteering opportunities, special events, and the community affairs council. In addition, she oversaw the training for 500 Garden Fresh Gourmet team members in leadership development, food safety, health and safety, and onboarding.

Melanie has worked side-by-side with her family to grow Garden Fresh Gourmet business that was launched by her parents, Jack and Annette Aronson, in 1997.  In 2002, she officially joined the Garden Fresh Gourmet business, serving as Customer Service Manager from 2002 to 2005, Human Resources Manager from 2005 to 2008, Production Manager from 2008 to 2010, Director of Training on 2010 and in 2014, she advanced to become Vice President of Operations, position that held along with the Director of training until Campbell Soup Company bought Garden Fresh Gourmet on 2015.

Melanie is also a passionate volunteer in her community. She is a board member with Ferndale Youth Assistance and formerly served on the advisory board with The Salvation Army of Southeast Michigan.

Melanie and her husband, Fidel owns Your Best Solution, and they are the parents of four active teenagers and young adults.