Our Workforce Isn’t Broken. They’re Unintroduced. | Melanie Russo
This isn’t about big programs or policy shifts. It’s about small, intentional actions
Presented by Melanie Russo, Director of Partnerships at Alive + Well
During a family vacation in Old Forge, a small parenting mishap sparked a bigger realization: we take critical systems for granted until we suddenly need them. The same is true of our workforce. Too often, small businesses assume talent will simply show up — with the right skills, at the right time, without ever being introduced to the work, the people, or the opportunities that exist locally.
This talk reframes the talent conversation by focusing on curiosity, early exposure, and human connection. Young people aren’t broken, lazy, or disengaged. They’re largely unintroduced. When businesses show up earlier and more visibly, they help young people envision a future in their own communities before they ever consider leaving. This isn’t about big programs or policy shifts. It’s about small, intentional actions that make work visible upstream.
About Melanie Russo
Melanie Russo is a workforce and talent strategy leader focused on helping communities and small businesses build stronger, more visible pathways to opportunity.
With experience spanning corporate HR, nonprofit leadership, and regional workforce innovation, she works at the intersection of education, employers, and community systems. Melanie is passionate about early career exposure, curiosity-driven exploration, and helping young people see what’s possible before critical decisions are made. She is known for translating complex workforce challenges into practical, human-centered actions that small businesses can actually implement. She lives in Rochester, NY, with her husband and four kids.
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