Melissa Neofes Mischak
Photo credit: Tonya Perme Photography |
| Melissa Neofes Mischak |
Melissa Neofes Mischak's wealth of real-world professional experience, passion for stellar customer service plus her flair for business development is the foundation upon which Tsirigo's Orbit was built. In fact, Eleanor Roosevelt sums up her philosophy best when she said, "The future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Melissa's corporate life includes almost two decades with the Blue Cross Blue Shield organization. She crossed the country first as a top sales person with Blue Cross Blue Shield in Washington, D.C. managing complex international accounts, then later with Blue Cross of California, a subsidiary of WellPoint, selling a portfolio of managed care programs to notable clients.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Melissa earned a BA from Duquesne University and a Master's in Public and International Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
An eclectic mix of advanced education and personal development has helped forge the skill set that drives Tsirigo's Orbit. These include intensive training in the Appreciative Inquiry facilitation approach, a revolutionary change management approach developed at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Melissa's presentation confidence and abilities were honed in the delivery of more than 50 speeches on her way to achieving the Advanced Toastmaster's Gold designation. She has taken this golden experience to clients by teaching valuable public speaking skills boosting staff confidence and morale.
Giving back through board service and community involvement are important toMelissa. Currently she serves as Recording Secretary and Director of Scholarships for the Kytherian Society of California. She is the Chairperson of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church Food Pantry which partners with the Alameda County Community Food Bank [ACCFB].
Melissa was a former President of the Oakland Uptown Toastmaster's Club. She's also given her time to serving on the Board of the Mt. Diablo Chapter of ASTD [a training & development group], the advisory board of Girls' Inc. of the Island City and the East Bay Chapter of the Northern California Human Resource Association.
A gratifying personal goal was achieved in winning an Annie E. Casey Foundation grant in conjunction with Girls Inc. of the Island City. The grant was awarded for Melissa's inspirational educational program entitled Magic Within: Discovering How to Make Your Dreams Come True. The program is currently in use nationwide by 180 chapters of Girls Inc.
A passion for Italy and its culture has inspired Melissa to become conversant in Italian. Her initial language studies at the Istituto Venezia and the Comitato Linguistico in Italy have been supplemented with ongoing, intensive private instruction.
Melissa resides on the island of Alameda with her husband and business partner Bob.