About The Founders
Erin Allweiss
Co-Founder
Erin has overseen media relations for some of the most recognized organizations, artists, brands and individuals. With a diverse background in art, sustainable design and public policy, her professional work is an extension of her personal interests.
Erin began her career in Washington working in the communications shops of the ONE Campaign, Oxfam, the Natural Resources Defense Council and on Capitol Hill. Based between New York and Paris, she has led media campaigns for game-changing artists, French brands and disruptive institutions – among them the TED Prize (from artist JR in 2010 to this year’s winner, satellite archaeologist Sarah Parcak); artists who include Arne Svenson, Rachel Sussman, Oliver Jeffers, and the many involved in the massive photo project This Place; acclaimed film and girls education platform Girl Rising; French and sustainable sneaker brand VEJA; international sustainable investment fund Aqua-Spark; and the architecture-driven, space sharing platform Splacer.
In her spare moments, Erin can be found running in Prospect Park or acting as virtual tour guide for her beloved hometown of New Orleans. She’ll share her PDF of favorite NOLA music venues, restaurants, shops and hidden gems.
erin@thenumber29.com
Melody Serafino
Co-Founder
Melody is a writer and media relations professional who understands the importance of telling a good story — from both sides of the page. After nine years on the agency side, and as a freelance reporter for Time Out New York, she and Erin partnered to launch No. 29. With more than a decade in PR, Melody has overseen major media relations and thought leadership campaigns for non-profits, startups, artists, filmmakers, and brands including the Sundance Institute, TEDx, Africa4Tech, and artist Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s global film HUMAN. She has worked with reporters across a range of countries, outlets and beats – from arts and technology to science and fashion. Melody has been invited to speak on the power of PR and storytelling at TEDxSummit in Doha, Qatar, and the International Conference on Family Planning Youth Pre-Conference in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. In her “free” time, she serves on the Fairfield University Alumni Board and the Rising Leaders Council for New York Cares, a non-profit organization that engages thousands of volunteers every year to help New Yorkers in need. She has also taught “Writing Across Media” at New York University. An avid global traveler, attempts at breaking her smartphone addiction have included riding the Trans-Siberian railway through the steppes of Mongolia, camping with lions in the Serengeti Plains, and teaching junior high students in Ho, Ghana. She’s taking recommendations for her next adventure.