About Dr. Melaine

Dr. Melaine Rochford is a much sought after communicator, author, scholar and singer who utilizes her multi-faceted abilities in service to God and humanity. Dr. Melaine is the Associate Director for Faith-Based Initiatives for New York City Health and Hospitals, the nation’s largest municipal health care system. She currently serves in ministry at New Life Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY, alongside her brother Elder Robert Joel Rochford II as an Executive Associate Pastor under the leadership of their father, Archbishop Dr. Robert Rochford Sr.

 A firm believer in the power of education, 

Dr. Melaine most recently earned her Doctor of Ministry degree at the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. She is also a graduate of Hofstra University, and Drew University earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. During her time at Drew, Dr. Melaine was able to study in Ghana, South Africa, and South Korea.

A lover of music and a performer from her youth, Dr. Melaine has been a featured soloist on ABC, BET, TBN, and The Word Network, and has lent her musical talents as a supporting vocalist for the likes of Mariah Carey, Samara Joy, and Donnie McClurkin. Most recently, Dr. Melaine released her solo debut project, Live from New Life Cathedral: The Experience.  Dr. Melaine is also a gifted author and has self-published five books, including two children's books. 

Dr. Melaine is a participant in the The R.E.A.L. Black Women In Ministry Thrive Initiative (BWIM) as envisioned by Ambassador Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook. Along with her mentorship cohort, Dr. Melaine was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in 2023.

After the unexpected passing of her mother in 2014, Dr. Melaine and her family turned their tragedy to triumph and launched The Lois E. Rochford Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of Black women and girls. This year, more scholarships will be awarded to young people pursuing higher education. Dr. Melaine is also the founder of The Kingdom Daughters, a ministry geared toward supporting the daughters and granddaughters of pastors and leaders. 

Dr. Melaine’s greatest desire is to inspire people to live a life full of faith and purpose.