Who we are

We believe knowledge is public, leadership should be inclusive, and culture belongs to everyone.

Founded by Melany D.C. Vergara Suarez, PhD—a bilingual Latina educator, public scholar, and strategist—Academia Publica Consulting sits at the intersection of organizational development, public scholarship, and spirits education. Our mission is simple and ambitious: to help people and institutions grow with purpose, clarity, and cultural integrity.

We partner with nonprofits, scholars, and community leaders to strengthen strategy, expand access to meaningful learning, and elevate underrepresented voices across industries. Whether we’re designing a leadership pipeline, translating research for public impact, or curating a whisky tasting that welcomes new audiences, our work is rooted in deep listening, cultural fluency, and joy.

Our consulting approach is personal, principled, and practical. With more than 15 years of experience across social impact, academia, and cultural storytelling, we help you make your next bold move with confidence and care.

What We Do:

  • Support organizations and mission-driven teams in strategic planning, leadership development, and evaluation

  • Help scholars and educators bring their work into the public sphere through accessible, audience-aware content

  • Deliver inclusive spirits education and travel experiences that diversify participation and celebrate culture

Why We Exist:

Because we believe that community-centered consulting can reshape institutions, reimagine learning, and reframe whose stories are told and celebrated.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!