Dira "Mel" Delpech is an accomplished Operations and Program Coordinator at Argonne National Laboratory, focusing on Chain Reaction Innovations, where responsibilities include advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion while facilitating outreach and curriculum development for startups. With a solid academic background that includes a PhD and MS in Engineering Education from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island, Dira has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the National Society of Black Engineers and Graduate Research Assistant within the Beliefs in Engineering Research Group. Experience spans mentorship, research, and various engineering-focused internships, emphasizing a commitment to empowering underrepresented groups in STEM fields.