Central NJ Nonprofit CEO Takes on Expanded National Leadership Role

Lawrenceville, N.J. — (8/19/26) Dress for Success Central New Jersey (DFSCNJ) is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Tenzer, has been appointed Executive Strategic Advisor for Dress for Success Worldwide and Dress for Success Greater New York City.

In this prestigious leadership role, Tenzer will work alongside the Greater New York City affiliate and the global organization to help strengthen programs, expand strategic initiatives, and increase opportunities that empower women and individuals to achieve economic independence.

Tenzer will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Dress for Success Central New Jersey, leading the organization's three locations: its regional headquarters in Lawrenceville, the Middlesex County office, and the Business Academy at Trenton Central High School. Under her leadership, DFSCNJ has experienced significant growth, expanding its reach and impact throughout Central New Jersey by providing workforce development, career readiness, and supportive services to women and youth.

"This appointment is both an incredible honor and an exciting opportunity," said Melissa Tenzer. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Executive Strategic Advisor while continuing to lead Dress for Success Central New Jersey. I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional team at Dress for Success Greater New York City to expand our collective impact, strengthen innovative programming, and empower even more individuals on their path to economic independence. I am eager about what we will accomplish together."

In addition to her new Executive Strategic Advisor role, Tenzer has been a cornerstone of community advancement in Central New Jersey. She founded the Dress for Success Central New Jersey Middlesex County office, which has served nearly 1000 individuals this past year, and created the Dress for Success Business Academy at Trenton Central High School, which has provided workforce development programming to more than 2,900 students to date. Through these initiatives, she has expanded access to career development opportunities and empowered women and youth to achieve greater economic independence.

As Executive Strategic Advisor, Tenzer will work closely with the CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide to help define strategic priorities for the Greater New York City Hub, strengthen program delivery and client outcomes, and introduce leading practices in workforce development, women's empowerment, and innovation from Dress for Success affiliates across the global network.

Melissa's appointment reflects her longstanding commitment to advancing the mission of Dress for Success and her proven ability to build meaningful partnerships, expand programming, and create innovative workforce development initiatives and taking workshops mobile. Her leadership has helped position Dress for Success Central New Jersey as a recognized leader in economic empowerment throughout the region.

"We are incredibly proud of Melissa and this well-deserved appointment," said Robin Doyle, DFSCNJ Board Chair. "Her vision, passion, and dedication have transformed our organization allowing us to serve more and more women and young people in New Jersey every year…literally thousands of women! Through this appointment, Melissa is now bringing her talents and dedication to the broader Dress for Success network and helping it to grow.”

As Executive Strategic Advisor, Tenzer will help advance strategic priorities while fostering collaboration across affiliates to further the mission of Dress for Success: empowering women to achieve economic independence through a network of support, professional attire, and development tools that help them thrive in work and in life.

About Dress for Success Central New Jersey
Dress for Success Central New Jersey empowers women and youth to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Through workforce development programs, career coaching, financial education, mentoring, and its Business Academy at Trenton Central High School, DFSCNJ serves individuals throughout Central New Jersey, helping them build confidence, secure employment, and create brighter futures.