Mia Team Spotlight: Meet Melissa Stires

Meet Melissa Stires, an Amazon Best-Selling Author, Certified Advanced International Protocol Officer, and recognized Leadership and Success Coach.

Melissa’s expertise spans fundraising, event planning, marketing, and executive leadership in various sectors, including corporate, tech, and government. She has consistently been a beacon of purpose and passion since 1999, channeling her energies into building global relationships.

Melissa's unique skills in cross-cultural communication and cultural sensitivity have led her to work with, advise, and train a plethora of individuals, ranging from members of royal families and politicians to non-profits and business influencers worldwide. She has led over 60 delegations to more than 30 countries.  

Melissa has orchestrated significant events, from leading the first-ever educational partnership with Fortune Magazine's Global Forum to the monumental 40th Anniversary Celebration for H.E. Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman. With a rich tapestry of experiences and the honor of being named the College of Central Florida's Distinguished Alumni in 2023, Melissa’s professional journey is as diverse as it is inspiring.

With over a decade of service at The George Washington University, Melissa played a pivotal role in garnering the university's largest donation of $80M. Furthermore, as Senior Advisor & Presidential Liaison, she was an instrumental team leader in their $1B campaign, making history as the university’s largest campaign to date in 2015.

Melissa’s leadership prowess was further demonstrated at Florida Atlantic University, where her outstanding efforts amassed over $6M in funding and escalated constituent engagement by 300%.

Moreover, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Stires Consulting, underscoring her dedication to fostering growth and connections globally.

At Mia, Melissa Stires is joining us as Head of Global Growth and Expansion. Her excellence in building enduring alliances and understanding of high-profile, high-stakes environments will steer our global strategies and expansion efforts.

With Melissa's keen insight into managing intricate logistics and building best-in-class teams, we aim to reach unprecedented heights, tapping into untapped markets and fortifying our global presence.

We asked Melissa:

Why Mia? 

I am passionate about forging spaces where women take the lead, drive innovation, and shape tomorrow.

Mia's mission resonates deeply with these convictions. At Mia, they're not just constructing a revolutionary company; they're charting a new trajectory for the future. I am excited and honored to be part of this journey.

What is your superpower? 

My superpower is being the ultimate connector of people.

When I engage with someone, I make them feel recognized and cherished. Beyond that, I instinctively know how to match individuals with the connections they need.

One motto or career tip you'd like to share with the world

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou

We are incredibly honored to have Melissa Stires onboard with us. Her dynamism, vast experience, and visionary leadership will undeniably be an asset.

Welcome to the team, Melissa! We're looking forward to all the groundbreaking achievements we'll create together.

• More about Melissa •

LinkedIn | Stires Consulting

Mia is a pioneering Global AI school dedicated to empowering forward-thinking companies and non-technical women through education in AI and emerging technologies.

Our aim is to upskill 1 million women worldwide, driving inclusive innovation in the AI space.