Melanie (DellaPietra) Russo is the Workforce Innovation Partner at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, where she leads strategy and cross-sector collaboration to address regional talent challenges and expand access to opportunity. In this role, she helps align industry, education, and workforce systems across the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and the broader Finger Lakes region, with a focus on equity, innovation, and long-term economic vitality.

With a background in corporate human resources and program leadership, Melanie is known for breaking down silos, building authentic partnerships, and turning complex problems into actionable solutions. She has contributed to initiatives that connect employers with diverse talent pipelines, reimagine career education for youth, and support community members navigating barriers to employment.

A Rochester native, Melanie came to understand the city’s deep-rooted racial and economic divides later in life—a realization that sparked her ongoing commitment to equity and systems change. Since then, she has launched her own HR consultancy, co-founded DisruptHR Rochester, and supported inclusive entrepreneurship through NextCorps’ Embark program. She brings that same lens to her Chamber work, helping employers uncover untapped talent and aligning career exploration efforts with real opportunity.

Melanie is a connector at heart—often playing the role of convener, storyteller, and catalyst for change. She believes deeply in the power of community-led innovation and is committed to building a more inclusive Rochester where all people can thrive.