The Team
Who We Are
Melanie Quirke
Founder
Melanie is a native New Yorker with more than two decades of experience in branding and public relations. A seasoned professional, she has cultivated global recognition for brands and high-profile personalities through impactful media strategies and positive press exposure.
Her expertise spans corporate media training—sharpening executive presence, speech delivery, and presentation skills for major events—as well as refining professional image through personal style, grooming, and etiquette coaching. She also designs employee training programs that prepare teams for successful client and public interactions, both in the U.S. and abroad.
As she raised her daughter, Melanie turned her attention toward supporting school-aged children and teenagers, recognizing the growing need to help young people navigate the complex expectations of adulthood. Her work with teens includes interview and admissions preparation for middle school, high school, and college; mentoring through organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Student Sponsor Partners; and service as a board member with a New York City pre-school and K-12 independent school.
Farzana Kussar
Founder
Farzana brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial industry, working with institutions through some of the sector’s most complex and turbulent periods, including the 2008 financial crisis and the global pandemic. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong expertise in building and growing a business, strategic planning, critical decision-making, and organizational leadership—qualities that reflect her resilience and adaptability. Today, she channels this experience into mentoring the next generation of professionals through initiatives such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Women in Financial Markets.
Originally from England, Farzana earned her Law degree in London before relocating to New York City, where she now resides with her husband and two teenage children. Drawing on her experiences as both a professional and a parent, she offers a unique perspective on the challenges that today’s young people encounter as they prepare for adulthood.
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