Melissa Esquibel was in the thick of early business technology when hardware and systems were kept in a virtual black box, and IT gatekeepers doled out functionality within a rigid systems architecture. She has applied her passion for technology to efforts that educate, inform and mobilize people to conduct business operations efficiently, effectively, and with an eye toward data integrity and business continuity. A professional management and technology consultant, trainer and speaker, Melissa is a Chicago native, attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and DePaul University majoring in Accounting and Business Management. She graduated summa cum laude from Strayer University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Legal Studies. She earned a CBCP (Certified Business Continuity Professional) from the Disaster Recovery Institute and held certifications in Lotus Notes Administration and Development. Now, as a certified Microsoft Office Specialist Master and Microsoft Certified Trainer, Melissa focuses on helping people feel empowered by technology, rather than intimidated by it. She conducts webinars through her own company, Sawbuck Seminars (https://sawbuckseminars.com), as well as several other producers. Demystifying the bits and bytes for people who just want to get their work done is the driving force behind her teaching style. Melissa's unique experience as the conduit between the gatekeepers and the gate stormers paints her unique perspective as "bridge builder" for her clients. In addition to facilitating peace between people and technology, all over the world, Melissa Esquibel is a mother, grandmother, painter, guitarist, singer, songwriter, recording artist, and author. She has jumped out of perfectly good airplanes over 200 times and is always looking for the next great experience to have.