Dr. Melissa Baralt is an educator, community strategist, and advocate dedicated to advancing equity, education, and empowerment. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, she serves as a faculty member at both Berkeley College and Montclair State University, where she mentors and inspires students in the sciences.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Baralt is the CEO of Bee Better Than Me, LLC, where she mentors first-generation students and professionals navigating academic and career pathways. She also serves on the advisory board of Generation Fearless, the board of the Paterson Education Fund, and as Chair of the Scholarship Committee for LUPE Fund, Inc.

Dr. Baralt is also a collaborator of the SheLeads Program through the NJSBDC at William Paterson University, helping empower women through leadership and entrepreneurship development.

A passionate changemaker and proud Paterson resident, Dr. Baralt continues to uplift her community through education, advocacy, and leadership.