People
Melissa Ruiz
President, Board of Directors
Melissa has been involved with Team Survivor since 2010. Through the organization, she was able to experiment with classes she would otherwise not be able to explore, and saw first-hand her fellow members attaining their goals with the support of Team Survivor instructors.
She was further inspired by the founders’ commitment to bringing wellness to women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis, as well as by the longevity of the entirely volunteer-driven organization, which has been supporting women since 1995. She initially joined the Board as Treasurer, and began serving as President in 2023.
When not involved with Team Survivor, Melissa works in compliance at the healthcare company Centene, and is a former Patient Navigator with the Breast Cancer Resource Center. She loves spending time with her daughters and three grandbabies, and enjoys biking, swimming, and reading.
Kaja Tretjak
Vice President, Board of Directors
Kaja (rhymes with "Maya") is a recovering hater of exercise and all things fitness.
After a year of breast cancer treatment and recovery, she knew a more active lifestyle would greatly benefit her both physically and mentally, but struggled to make it happen on her own. Infamously reluctant to exercise before cancer despite knowing better, she also hadn’t engaged in any kind of exercise since her diagnosis.
Getting started was intimidating, especially being out of shape alongside a congenital hand difference that makes using some types of workout equipment challenging. Through becoming a Team Survivor member in 2023, she started workouts with community partner Mziya Weber of REIZ Adaptive Fitness, who specializes in adaptive training.
Since then, they have been meeting for workout sessions every week, ultimately joining the Team Survivor Board together. Kaja credits Team Survivor and Mziya’s tremendous support, energy, and skillset for a holistic transformation in her physical and emotional well-being.
A former attorney and professor in the social sciences, Kaja leads a user experience research team at Charles Schwab. She also volunteers with the Breast Cancer Resource Center’s Speakers Bureau, and is especially passionate about talking to younger women about the critical importance of early detection.
Mziya Weber
Community Outreach Chair, Board of Directors
Mziya first became involved with Team Survivor as a community partner, providing one-on-one and group strength training sessions for survivors through her non-profit organization, REIZ Adaptive Fitness. REIZ is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the fitness community.
Born with one arm, Mziya overcame numerous obstacles to pursue her passion for helping others adapt and overcome challenges. With a background in nonprofit work and a certification in Adaptive & Inclusive Fitness, she customizes workout programs to empower individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. Passionate about promoting inclusivity and empowerment, Mziya finds joy in witnessing personal growth and strength in her clients.
Read more about Mziya's journey and REIZ in Austin Voyage Magazine and the monthly publication Cedar Park.
Volunteers
Team Survivor has operated as an entirely volunteer-driven nonprofit since its founding in 1995. This longevity is a testament to the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm of the many volunteers who make our work possible.
Anyone can volunteer! Our volunteers include members, friends and loved ones of people impacted by cancer, as well as those who just love making an impact in their communities. We love connecting volunteers with the type of work that interests them and that their other commitments allow - whether that's a few hours of tabling at an event or taking on a leadership role.
Connect with us to talk about how to get involved!