Melissa Minjares
Executive Director
melissa@syracusecityballet.com
Melissa Minjares brings over 20 years of experience in consulting and advisory services across the hospitality, food & beverage, and entertainment industries. Specializing in strategic planning, project management, and organizational development, Melissa has a proven track record of guiding companies through successful growth and transformation. Her expertise lies in identifying opportunities for businesses to optimize operations, expand market presence, and maximize value.
Melissa is committed to transparency, honesty, and collaboration, ensuring that her guidance is tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization she works with. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Operations Management and Analysis from the Forbes Business School at UAGC and is currently pursuing her MBA.
Although new to the nonprofit and performing arts sectors, Melissa is excited to bring her leadership experience to Syracuse City Ballet. She looks forward to driving the company’s future transformation and contributing to its continued success in the arts community.
Stephanie Maguire
Executive Administrative Assistant
stephanie@syracusecityballet.com
Stephanie holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Special Education from SUNY Cortland. With a deep commitment to both her family and her profession, she has dedicated the past 17 years to supporting her three children, including her oldest, who was diagnosed with Autism at an early age. Alongside her role as a mother, Stephanie has taught part-time and has been actively involved in her children's schools, currently serving as the vice president of the high school PTG.
Stephanie's journey into the dance world began 12 years ago, sparked by her daughter's enthusiasm for ballet and her participation in the Syracuse City Ballet’s professional productions. Over the years, Stephanie’s own passion for dance has flourished, and she continues to nurture a love for the arts in her family and community. Her involvement with local dance productions and school events reflects her dedication to fostering artistic expression and community engagement. Known for her organizational skills, attention to detail, and open communication, Stephanie remains a supportive and active force in both her family’s lives and her community.
Suleman Sami
Social Media Coordinator
sam@syracusecityballet.com
I’m Suleman Sami, a dynamic professional with expertise in both social media marketing and software engineering. Currently, I work as a software engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where my primary focus is enhancing user interfaces (UI) and optimizing user experiences (UX) for government web platforms. This role allows me to apply my technical skills to create more efficient and intuitive digital environments for users.
In addition to my engineering background, I have extensive experience in digital marketing, specializing in social media strategies designed to engage audiences and grow brands. My ability to blend marketing innovation with technical proficiency enables me to craft tailored, data-driven solutions that not only drive business growth but also ensure a seamless user experience across all digital platforms.
My multidisciplinary approach—bridging technology and marketing—empowers me to offer a comprehensive range of services, from designing cutting-edge web interfaces to developing impactful social media campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
Sarah Klosk
Social Media Coordinator
sarah@syracusecityballet.com
Sarah Klok (she/they) is thrilled to join Syracuse City Ballet's executive staff as the Social Media Coordinator! With a background as a dancer in the company's ensemble, Sarah brings a unique artistic perspective to the team. They have experience creating promotional content for Ballet Co.Laboratory as a Work-Study Student, and have also served as Stage Manager and Performance Videographer for Pangea Dance Collective. Sarah is excited to support the SCB Marketing Team with their expertise and passion!