Chiara Missalino Turns Resilience into Civic Action: Faces Tri-Cities Co-Author Series

Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre & Cathy Cena Today on Faces: Tri-Cities Co-Authored Stories, Cathy Cena & Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre had the pleasure of sitting down with Chiara Missalino, a dedicated community advocate whose personal strength and compassion now fuel programs for local youth and women across the Tri-Cities. The Faces book, launched earlier this year in celebration of International Women’s Day, is a civic storytelling project created to celebrate women’s contributions across the region. For Chiara, participating in the project meant stepping outside her comfort zone and stepping into her voice. “I said yes because it was Geneviève and Cathy,” she said. “But I didn’t expect how emotional it would be to share my story and how freeing.” Writing her chapter helped her process years of personal difficulty, including a painful divorce, and transform those experiences into strength. “Life doesn’t end when life happens. It just turns the page.” Her quote in the book reflects her mindset: “Resilience, faith, and positivity turn challenges into stepping stones, proving that with strength and purpose, we can inspire others and achieve greatness.” Today, Chiara is president of the Optimist Club of the Tri-Cities, a group that provides access to sports, arts, and leadership activities for youth, particularly those facing financial barriers. “Sometimes parents just can’t afford to give their kids what they need to thrive. That’s where we step in.” She also advocates for greater support for women leaving abusive situations, especially those with older children. “There was a time I was told I could escape, but only with my younger kids. I couldn’t bring my teens with me. That’s not real safety. A mother needs to know she can keep her family together.” Chiara believes leadership is not about titles but about showing up, especially when it matters most. Whether mentoring women, supporting friends in crisis, or volunteering at events, she leads with action, empathy, and joy. “Women aren’t bossy. We’re decisive. We lead with our hearts, and that’s our strength.” Looking ahead, Chiara hopes to grow her new career in financial services and empower more women to take control of their futures. “When women support each other in real ways, we build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Tri-Cities.” Chiara Missalino’s story is proof that civic leadership doesn’t start in office. It starts at home, in community, and with the decision to rise and bring others with you. Tri-Cities Community Television is a volunteer-run media group based in the Tri-Cities region. Our mission is to support community-driven video content and independent local news stories.