Melissa Shabo

Melissa joins our team with extensive experience in the events and travel industries. Born and raised in Bergen County, Melissa worked for the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau following graduation and during a very exciting time for New Jersey when both WrestleMania 29 and Super Bowl 48 were held at MetLife Stadium.

Following a Birthright trip, Melissa decided she wanted to spend more time in Israel and in 2014 she participated in a year-long volunteer program teaching English to elementary school children in Beit She’an, a small town in the north of Israel. As many do, she fell in love with the country (and her future husband) and officially made Aliyah in 2016. She married Hai in 2017 and spent the next 7 years at a luxury, boutique travel company planning custom tours for clients traveling to Israel.

In June 2024, Melissa, Hai, their young daughter Belle, and dog Penny relocated to New Jersey.

While she does miss Israel, Melissa feels right at home at the J and is looking forward to building connections with the Jewish, Israeli, and broader communities.