Melissa Rivkin

Melissa Rivkin served as the President of the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research, a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting cutting-edge research on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of ovarian cancer to improve outcomes for those affected by the disease. Founded in 1994 by her father, Dr. Saul Rivkin, in memory of her mother, Marsha, the Rivkin Center has grown into a globally recognized institution supporting groundbreaking research and empowering individuals with critical health information. Under Melissa’s leadership, the Rivkin Center joined forces with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) in April 2025 to accelerate scientific discoveries, enhance early detection efforts, and expand support for those affected by ovarian and related gynecologic cancers.

In addition to her role at OCRA, Melissa is the Director of Day School Strategy at the Samis Foundation, where she leverages over two decades of experience in education and philanthropy to support Jewish day schools (K-12) in the greater Seattle area. Previously, she served as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Northwest Yeshiva High School, leading record-breaking fundraising efforts. She also played a key role in capital campaign development and fundraising at Seattle Hebrew Academy and spent over a decade as a professional educator.

Melissa’s international experience includes teaching at the American International Schools in Israel and Switzerland and serving as the Founding Head of School of the American School of English in Seattle’s University District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College in New York City and a master’s degree from the Spertus Institute in Chicago.