Melissa Grillo Aruz

Melissa Grillo Aruz is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in agencies, brands, and venture capital firms, contributing to her unique perspective on business success.

In her role as the Head of Talent & Business Development at Forerunner Ventures, Melissa collaborated closely with portfolio companies such as Glossier, The Farmer's Dog, Prose, and Ritual, overseeing various key areas like marketing initiatives, partner relationships, talent acquisition, community building, events, and networking.

With over a decade of experience, Melissa has independently worked with renowned brands like J.Crew, Warby Parker, Sealy, Bonobos, and Moda Operandi, focusing on marketing strategies encompassing growth, branding, and social media activities, with all consulting engagements originating from referrals.

Before venturing into venture capital, Melissa held senior operational roles for 15 years, notably serving as the first Director of Growth & Marketing at Gilt Groupe during a significant expansion phase. Her early career involved agency positions at Ogilvy and Razorfish, crafting top-tier marketing campaigns for retail and healthcare clients, showcasing her versatility across financial institutions, brands, and agencies.

Melissa's dedication to leveraging her network to empower individuals without traditional access drives her to support and create opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Recognized for her contributions, Melissa has been featured in esteemed publications like Marie Claire's New Guard List and the Create & Cultivate 100. She actively participates as a founding member of The Board, an advisor for Rebecca Minkoff's The North, and a Senior Advisor on Consumer at BDA Partners.

Melissa completed her education at Trinity College-Hartford, and throughout her career, she has held diverse roles in organizations such as Aruz Ventures, Diggs Pet, Forerunner, Rue Gilt Groupe, SHIFT Retail, Razorfish, and Ogilvy.