Fiercely independent and unconventional in thought and action, Melanie Broida has evolved her career from technical writer at Tektronix, Inc. microcomputer division (Portland OR) to technical trainer at Honeywell, Inc. military avionics division (Minneapolis MN) to homeschooling mom to President of The Firefly Scientists’ Foundation, dedicated to helping make every life a story worth telling through expanded programs in experiential enrichment, education, and entrepreneurial training for all ages and abilities.

Favorite organizations Ms. Broida has served voluntarily include Sholom Alliance & Foundation as a song leader for seniors, Edina MN Kumon Math & Reading Enrichment Center, Gillette Children’s Specialty Hospital, Lubavitch Cheder Preschool, Minnesota Boychoir, Macphail Center for the Arts orchestra and chorus, Chapel Strings of St Paul Orchestra, Theater in the Round technical production, Works Museum, Pavek Museum of Broadcasting, Hennepin County (MN) Library support services, Stanford Club of Minnesota, Dodge Nature Center, & Open Arms of MN.

Hobbies include all things green and growing, ethnic and edible such as: Cooking with foreign flair,and fresh foods, herbs, and spices; playing piano and violin; international and old style dance; hiking, camping, and road trips; exploring nature with her Android cam app; science fiction and historical fiction; foreign films and documentaries; classical and ragtime music; organic wines; dark coffee; and dark chocolate.

Native of St Louis MO, Ms. Broida studied electrical engineering at Stanford University (CA) then post grad work in science journalism at the University of Minnesota where she lives currently as one of the Frozen Chosen. She has two grown sons Matthew and Daniel and looks forward to a  road trip to Barcelona Spain this summer 2017 with grandson Conner and the MN Boychoir!