Rochelle Silveira is a business leader and innovation strategist with experience helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Based in Huntsville, Rochelle serves as managing director of gener8tor’s gBETA programs, shaping Alabama’s early-stage startup ecosystem across the state. Her leadership has been a critical driver of gener8tor’s statewide impact of working with nearly 200 startups who have raised over $80M in capital and created over 1,000 jobs. Rochelle fosters innovation and economic impact by equipping founders with mentorship, preparing them for investment, and connecting them to gener8tor’s robust local and national networks.

Born in Brazil, Rochelle launched her first fintech company, Bela, at 15 years old, revolutionizing banking and operations for tourism. Over 15 years, she has led fintech, SaaS, and payment innovations across B2B and B2C markets.

What’s your best advice for starting a career in the Rocket City?

Get involved in the community—attend networking events, connect with local leaders, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Huntsville embraces collaboration, and building strong relationships will open doors.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I love traveling and discovering new coffee shops. When I’m not on the go, I enjoy painting or catching up with friends over good food.

How do you like to give back to the community, and why is it important to you?

We have the opportunity today to shape the future we want to live in, which is why investing in and supporting the next generation is so important to me. I mentor students, innovators, and entrepreneurs, helping them launch and grow their businesses.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I make an excellent caipirinha and pão de queijo—Brazil’s classic cocktail and snack! It’s my favorite way to share a little piece of my culture.

What do you love most about living and working in Huntsville?

Huntsville has a unique blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community support that makes it an exciting place to live, build, and grow businesses. The collaborative spirit and access to incredible talent create an environment where startups can truly thrive.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career, and what valuable lesson did they teach you?

I was raised to believe I could be anything I wanted, whenever I decided, and that belief shaped my resilience and self-confidence. My family taught me that with hard work and a strong vision, you can create opportunities where none seem to exist.

What is your favorite workday jam?

“Vienna” by Billy Joel—a timeless classic that’s the perfect mix of grit and inspiration.

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