Melissa R. Capellan, native New Yorker, pivoted from a creative career in film twenty years ago to become a Teach For America corps member in Liberty City, Miami. Serving as a teacher led to a career dedicated to working towards systemic change. Over the years she has designed and implemented academic and career services programming at some of our nations trailblazers in nonprofit (The Posse Foundation) and national public education (KIPP NYC). She has produced career and workforce development frameworks at Opportunity College for adult learners pursuing pathways in technology. As a CTE coach and adjunct faculty at Westchester Community College she was aligned with the School of Business and Professional Careers, the School of Math, Science, and Engineering, and Division of Workforce Development and Community Education, working directly on retention and completion initiatives while designing curriculum for a diverse student population.  

Her graduate research in adult learning and leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University helps her understand how each of us develops during adulthood and how to support the growth of those in her care. Melissa, a product of NYC Public Schools is driven by the teachers who coached and led her to reach her full potential. She currently works with University of Miami Herbert Business School’s Unanue Graduate Career Advancement Center training talent pursuing post-graduate degree’s in business administration and international business.

Melissa, a Posse Foundation alumna and DePauw University graduate, earned her BA in Communication Arts & Sciences and her MA from Teachers College, Columbia University in Adult Learning & Leadership. In her free time, you will find her outdoors with her husband and sons.