Meet Melissa Leivo
|
Melissa Leivo
Communications and Events Specialist Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce 515 N. Washington Avenue Saginaw, MI 48607 (989) 757-2113 [email protected] SaginawChamber.org |
Q: What year did you begin working at your company?
A: 2026
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: 2023
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I was motivated by the idea of being part of a committee that recognizes how important it is to attract and retain young professionals in our region. Over time, I’ve realized that Saginaw can be a great place to live, work, and play - and I want other people to see that too.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: There are two types of events I look forward to the most. The first are the game nights (especially puzzle night and game night). Working as a team with people you’ve never met before creates a bond you don’t typically get at traditional networking events. The second are the professional development events, like the CEO Mixer. These provide valuable resources, guidance, and opportunities to grow professionally through both education and connection.
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: During the event. When given the opportunity, I make a conscious effort to be curious about someone new. Everyone has unique stories and insights, and asking questions opens the door to meaningful conversations I wouldn’t have otherwise. Those moments are what turn introductions into real connections.
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: I hope they feel welcomed and leave with a genuine sense of belonging.
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: My confidence and communication skills have grown significantly through my involvement with YPN. Each time I meet someone new - whether a young professional or not - I push myself to stay open-minded and curious. The more I do that, the more confident I become in myself and my abilities.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: The Memories and Milestones event last year. Hearing the speakers and seeing such a large turnout in support of the YPN really made me feel the impact the YPN has had and will continue to have on our community.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: I truly believe community involvement is career growth. The more connected and involved you are, the more opportunities you create for personal and professional development.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: I’m very fortunate to have a strong community of friends and family who truly fill my bucket. After spending time with them, I start each week feeling grounded, supported, and confident in my ability to accomplish what I set my mind to.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: The parks in Saginaw County! There are so many beautiful and lively parks throughout the area, each offering its own unique experience and views - many of which I wouldn’t have discovered if I hadn’t lived and worked in Saginaw.
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: “Daydream” by Lily Meola. This song perfectly represents where I’m at in life. It’s a reminder that growth requires facing fears and pushing past doubt - especially when something feels uncomfortable. As the lyrics say, “If it makes you nervous, it’s probably worth it."
Published: January 2026
A: 2026
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: 2023
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I was motivated by the idea of being part of a committee that recognizes how important it is to attract and retain young professionals in our region. Over time, I’ve realized that Saginaw can be a great place to live, work, and play - and I want other people to see that too.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: There are two types of events I look forward to the most. The first are the game nights (especially puzzle night and game night). Working as a team with people you’ve never met before creates a bond you don’t typically get at traditional networking events. The second are the professional development events, like the CEO Mixer. These provide valuable resources, guidance, and opportunities to grow professionally through both education and connection.
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: During the event. When given the opportunity, I make a conscious effort to be curious about someone new. Everyone has unique stories and insights, and asking questions opens the door to meaningful conversations I wouldn’t have otherwise. Those moments are what turn introductions into real connections.
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: I hope they feel welcomed and leave with a genuine sense of belonging.
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: My confidence and communication skills have grown significantly through my involvement with YPN. Each time I meet someone new - whether a young professional or not - I push myself to stay open-minded and curious. The more I do that, the more confident I become in myself and my abilities.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: The Memories and Milestones event last year. Hearing the speakers and seeing such a large turnout in support of the YPN really made me feel the impact the YPN has had and will continue to have on our community.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: I truly believe community involvement is career growth. The more connected and involved you are, the more opportunities you create for personal and professional development.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: I’m very fortunate to have a strong community of friends and family who truly fill my bucket. After spending time with them, I start each week feeling grounded, supported, and confident in my ability to accomplish what I set my mind to.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: The parks in Saginaw County! There are so many beautiful and lively parks throughout the area, each offering its own unique experience and views - many of which I wouldn’t have discovered if I hadn’t lived and worked in Saginaw.
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: “Daydream” by Lily Meola. This song perfectly represents where I’m at in life. It’s a reminder that growth requires facing fears and pushing past doubt - especially when something feels uncomfortable. As the lyrics say, “If it makes you nervous, it’s probably worth it."
Published: January 2026
