Melissa Strong, Manager, HR Business Partnership, Prime Therapeutics

What is your current role? 

I work closely with business leaders to align HR strategies with organizational goals. I focus on driving talent development, workforce planning, and employee engagement, while using data and insights to support effective decision-making. My role is centered on fostering a culture of performance, inclusion, and continuous improvement across the organization. I’m also deeply committed to developing my own team, empowering them through coaching, collaboration, and ongoing learning opportunities. 

Why did you join the TRUST? 

I have been a member of the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST for a little over three years. Membership gives me the opportunity to grow my professional network, connect with and learn from other inspiring women in health care leadership, and continuously challenge myself with new opportunities for development. Being part of this community helps me stay engaged, expand my perspective, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of women in our industry. 

What has been your favorite part of being a member of the TRUST? 

My favorite part of the TRUST experience is the annual retreat — it’s such a powerful space for development and well-being. I always leave feeling recharged and more connected, especially after building trust and relationships with other incredible women across the organization. The annual forum dinner is another highlight for me; hearing from esteemed women in health care leadership is deeply inspiring and reminds me of the impact we can have when we support and elevate one another. 

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your leadership style or professional path?

One of the most significant influences on my leadership style was stepping into a people leadership role right out of college at Target. Leading large teams, managing complex processes, and handling guest escalations taught me how to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy. I quickly learned the importance of identifying process improvements and influencing others to drive meaningful change — skills that have stayed with me throughout my career. When I pivoted into corporate HR eight years ago, I brought that operational mindset with me, and it’s been especially valuable in higher education and now in health care. Over the past three years, I’ve leaned into influencing without authority, driving effective change, and helping teams achieve their goals—all rooted in the foundation I built early in my career. 

How do you balance the demands of your professional and personal life? 

Balancing the demands of my professional and personal life is something I’m intentional about every day. At work, I prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and empower my team to make decisions — creating space for both productivity and growth. I believe in being transparent in my communication, which helps set clear expectations and maintain trust. I also invest in myself through self-care and professional development, knowing that I show up better for others when I take care of myself. At home, we focus on building a strong family unit through shared activities like team sports, eating dinner together, and supporting each other in schoolwork and education. It’s not always perfect, but staying grounded in what matters most helps me find balance. 

What strategies do you use to build effective teams and promote collaboration? 

Building effective teams and promoting collaboration starts with trust and clarity. I focus on creating an environment where people feel empowered and supported. I set clear expectations, encourage open communication, and make space for diverse perspectives. I also prioritize development — helping team members grow in their roles and feel confident making decisions. Delegation is key, not just to manage workload, but to build ownership and accountability. I actively foster collaboration by aligning our goals, celebrating wins together, and ensuring everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture. When people feel valued and connected, great things happen. 

How do you advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) within your organization or in the broader health care community? 

Advocating for inclusion, diversity, and equity, is something I take to heart both in my role and across the broader community. I had the privilege of serving as co-chair of our DEI Council for two years and have acted as the HRBP subject matter expert within to the Council as well. These experiences deepened my commitment to creating spaces that are radically welcoming. In my day-to-day work, I continuously look for ways to embed inclusive, equitable, and fair policies and practices into everything we do at Prime. Whether it’s shaping how we hire, develop, or support our teams, I strive to influence change that reflects our values and ensures everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.