
.png)
Arts Advocate
Digital Learning Leader
Multi-Media Director
Melissa Albertario Peck (she/her/hers) is a multi-passionate entrepreneur focused on empowering creative sustainability- whether that’s by advocating for financial literacy, de-stigmatizing “money talk”, or promoting creative entrepreneurship.
With two decades of simultaneous professional experience in both the Performing Arts and Financial Services industries, Melissa founded Smartistry in 2018 as a bridge between those worlds. Her mission is to provide life-changing education and resources to the creative community.
On her podcast, The Smartist, Melissa explores the intersections between creativity, finance, and entrepreneurship with guests like pay equity leader Elsa Hiltner and award-winning film and theatre director Monty Cole. In 2021, Melissa facilitated live virtual events as part of the Accidental Entrepreneur’s Club, a partnership with Chicago’s Artist Mobilization Resource, and Apparel Industry Board, Inc.
Melissa recently directed her first feature film, Falling For You, which was released in 2022. She was previously the Founding Artistic Director of Focal Point Theatre Company and Literary Manager for 20% Theatre Company, both in Chicago.
As Director of Client Services for global learning & development company Hoopis Performance Network, Melissa has coached and trained over 50,000 financial agents, advisors, and sales managers to improve their communication skills and sales effectiveness by using proprietary digital training. In this role, Melissa honed her expertise in crafting the learner's journey, virtual meeting facilitation, digital course design, and driving learner engagement.
Melissa received an MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of Essex (UK) and a BA in Theatre from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She also trained at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and is a Certified Professional Life Coach.

.png)
My mission is to provide life-changing education and resources to the creative community.
.png)
ARTS ADVOCATE
This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.
DIGITAL LEARNING LEADER
This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.


MULTI-MEDIA DIRECTOR
This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.