Participatory process design and facilitation
Melinda is a firm believer in
the power of communities and harbors a passionate commitment to aiding their growth for the betterment of a regenerative society
I’ve spent fifteen years at the intersection of communities, democracy, and personal change. What I’ve learned is that the outer work and the inner work are never really separate.
I’m a facilitator, coach, and process designer. I’ve worked with city governments, NGOs, international civil society networks, and individual changemakers across Europe and beyond — from Citizens’ Assemblies in Budapest to retreats in Thailand, from EU-level policy processes to deeply personal 1:1 conversations. I show up as a whole person, and I invite you to do the same. My practice is grounded in Art of Hosting, Theory U, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed principles.
I work with people who are trying to make something real happen — in the world, in their organisations, or in themselves. If that’s you, I’d love to talk.
Participatory Processes
Participatory democracy
I develop and implement innovative democracy formats that build on the collective intelligence of citizens, experts and public institutions for co-creating solutions for the future.
Hosting and facilitation
Whether your organisation is navigating a strategic decision, running a community retreat, or trying to bring genuinely different stakeholders into real dialogue — I design and hold the container for deep collaboration.
Coaching
Coaching with me is not about fixing or optimising. It's about slowing down enough to hear what's actually true for you — and then finding the courage and clarity to act from that place.
Capacity building
I design tailor-made trainings in participatory leadership, self-management (teal organizations) and trauma-informed collaboration inside organizations.
Art of Hosting
I am an Art of Hosting practitioner and steward and supporting trainings all over the world.
The Circle Way
I hold an annual online training for the Circle Way practice, as it is one of the ancient ways to create deep listening in a group.
Publications
02.
Demokratikus innovációk és a magyar pártok
Melinda shared a longer interview here on Citizens’ Assemblies in Budapest, Hungary
03.
Részvételi módszerek az iskolai egészségfejlesztésben
The article discusses using participatory methodology, including planning together with multi-stakeholders for public health actions.
Interested in exploring a collaboration? Get in touch with me!
A few reflections from previous clients
Over six weeks, what I’ve cherished most about the coaching journey with Melinda is how much it helped me build confidence and clarity around my project. By breaking it down into smaller, achievable goals, she made what once felt overwhelming seem doable, and gave me the focus I needed in the early stages. She listened and understood my needs as a first-time entrepreneur, while also holding me accountable through regular questioning and communication.
Most importantly, her guidance helped me create a roadmap for the first phase of my entrepreneurial journey and encouraged me to take concrete steps, such as reaching out to organizations and women leaders in my field.
Thank you for being such a special and important part of my journey💓
Simran Sinha
WOCAL - Women’s Collective Action for Local Biodiversity
For me the coaching process came at the right time and helped me clearly name my needs and desired work direction at the moment. This, in turn, gave me clarity what steps to take towards making it happen, and later on to acknowledge their realisation.