Melissa Tenzer is a dynamic and accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience uplifting and transforming lives through workforce development, community service, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership. She currently serves as CEO of Dress for Success Central New Jersey (DFSCNJ), Strategic Advisor for Dress for Success Worldwide International, and Founder of Melissa Tenzer Enterprises.
Known for her energy, positivity, and exceptional ability to drive projects forward, Melissa is a respected businesswoman, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, consultant, fashion stylist, and community advocate.
At DFSCNJ, a premier nonprofit workforce development organization, Melissa has been instrumental in expanding its reach from one county to seven, increasing the number of core programs from two to ten, and personally writing the educational curriculum for eight impactful new programs, including Self-Acceptance, Know Your Worth, Effective Communication, and Healthy Minds. She also founded the DFSCNJ Business Academy inside Trenton Central High School, directly impacting the lives of over 1,500 high school girls through mentorship and professional development.
As a Strategic Advisor for Dress for Success Worldwide, Melissa lends her expertise to affiliates both nationally and internationally and has spoken at multiple global conferences. Her insight and leadership are sought after by prestigious institutions, and she frequently presents at events hosted by Princeton University, Rutgers University, Rider University, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Through Melissa Tenzer Enterprises, she partners with clients like The Lobby Club to produce and market high-impact community events, including the “I Believe in Trenton” speaker series, where she leads thought-provoking discussions with local leaders.
Prior to her role at DFSCNJ, Melissa spent 19 years in the private sector as the owner of the staffing agency CareersUSA, where she helped thousands of job seekers enhance their resumes, interviewing skills, and professional confidence. Her early work highlighted the critical need for mentorship and education in bridging workforce gaps.
Melissa’s commitment to community service is evident in her board and leadership roles. She currently serves on the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce Board, the Foundation Board of Mercer County Community College (as Chairperson for Engagement and Outreach), and the Executive Board of Trustees for the Mercer County Workforce Development Board. Her past leadership includes roles with Eden Autism and the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she served as President of the Chamber Foundation.
Melissa has been honored for her outstanding contributions with numerous awards, including the 2024 Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber Women of Achievement Award, the 2012 YWCA Princeton Tribute to Women Award, and being named one of the Best 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ in 2020. In December 2024, Melissa founded The Cherry Tree Foundation, named in honor of her late sister. The foundation provides a national scholarship to students pursuing higher education and supports music education programs—reflecting Melissa’s enduring dedication to music and the arts.