Alyssa Belasco is a native of Rochester, New York, with a love for her hometown and personal mission to be an ambassador for Greater Rochester’s renaissance. She is passionate about helping the region thrive through various philanthropic efforts, supporting local business and cultural ventures, and promoting the growth of nonprofit organizations within her community.

Alyssa is seasoned in marketing, communications, special events management, nonprofit operations and development. In July 2020, she transitioned from freelancing, to a full-time role as Executive Director at New York Kitchen in Canandaigua (aka The New York Wine & Culinary Center)—a nonprofit in the heart of the Finger Lakes dedicated to celebrating local food, craft beverage, and agricultural products that originate within the Empire State. Alyssa prioritizes volunteering and board service, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Finger Lakes Chapter of Women for WineSense, as well as the Roc/FLX Craft Beverage Trail. She is a founding member and active admin board member for the 100 Women Who Care Rochester NY giving circle, harnessing the power of collective giving to alleviate barriers and elevate her community. Alyssa is a dedicated supporter of The Little Theatre, as well as the Western New York Chapter of Star Legacy Foundation. She is a member of the Causewave Community Partners W.B. Potter Society, and Women United, a leadership giving network for the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.

In 2016, Alyssa was a finalist for the Greater Rochester ATHENA Young Professional Award, as well as being named one of Rochester’s “Forty Under 40." 2022 brought another exciting year, where Alyssa was recognized as one of Greater Rochester's Women of Excellence, Ontario County ATHENA Leadership Award honoree, and given the Spark Award by Causewave Community Partners which honors an individual age 40 or under who has used their role as a Causewave volunteer to serve as a catalyst for positive change. Under Alyssa’s leadership, in 2023 New York Kitchen received the ATHENA Organizational Award for being a woman-led organization that creates a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential and supports leadership development opportunities for women and girls in the community. She is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Rochester, and a 2023 graduate of the Leadership Ontario program. Alyssa Prioritizing lifelong learning, professional development, as well as creating meaningful experiences for others is at the forefront of all she does.

In addition to the aforementioned credentials, Alyssa has successfully completed the Level 2 Award in Wines certification through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and is currently working on completing the Level One Associate certification through the Academy of Cheese.

Alyssa lives in the Browncroft Historic District neighborhood of Rochester with her husband, William Kalish, five pound Yorkie, Ollie, and big boy Max—a 100 pound yellow lab rescue pup. She enjoys writing, vegetarian eats, browsing houses on Zillow, and taking advantage of all things local wherever she goes. She's also a self-proclaimed stationery supply hoarder.