Melania Stepanenko

Background

About Melania Stepanenko

I enjoy asking difficult questions. At 7 years old, I realized that when I challenged my serious Ukrainian father with thoughtful questions, he transformed into a different person—and even admired me more for it. That moment taught me 3 things: • People love sharing what they know. • The right questions unlock deeper insights. • Curiosity builds connection. This curiosity shapes how I lead projects, solve problems, and connect with others. Whether building project plans, guiding teams, or helping friends through challenges, I focus on uncovering root causes—not just symptoms—to create lasting solutions. Raised by Ukrainian immigrants, I grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, grit, and adaptability. Over the past 5 years of working in consulting and as a digital marketing project manager, I’ve applied these principles to streamline operations, deliver results, and lead with empathy and calm. In June 2024, I stepped away from my role to recover from burnout and explore new experiences. I spent two months volunteering at a surf hostel in Peru, hosted a women’s retreat in the Andes, and trained in Kambo, a traditional healing art from the Amazon jungle. These experiences reminded me of the importance of staying grounded in what I value most—wellness, personal growth, and building connections. I’m organized, detail-oriented, and grounded by a no-nonsense mindset shaped by my upbringing—but beneath that, I’m playful, curious, and always looking to build meaningful connections. Now, I’m seeking opportunities to align my skills with my passions—leading projects, improving processes, and building something meaningful.