Melissa Starace

Melissa Starace is a Foundation Director for the Dexter F. and Dorothy H. Baker Foundation through Boldly Go Philanthropy, where she leads grantmaking and drives philanthropic strategy. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership — including senior roles at colleges and universities and as executive director of the Lehigh Valley Funders Network — she’s passionate about connecting people, ideas and resources to create meaningful community impact. 

A proud, longtime Lehigh Valley resident, Melissa studied at Northampton Community College before going on to earn degrees from Cedar Crest College (BA), Lehigh University (MEd) and University of Pennsylvania (EdD). Besides enjoying her work and volunteering, Melissa is a faith-filled person who loves spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys the outdoors, baking, practicing mindfulness and diving into topics that inspire her curiosity.