Her Story
About Kim
Kim Michel is an accomplished contingent workforce professional with more than 17 years of experience building and managing large-scale workforce programs. She currently serves as a Contingent Workforce Program Manager at Light & Wonder, where she oversees a global program spanning more than 20 countries. Throughout her career, Kim has progressed from recruiting coordination into senior program management and leadership roles, developing expertise in contingent workforce strategy, co-employment, risk management, vendor management, and MSP and VMS implementations. Her experience includes managing complex programs with significant budgets, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and delivering workforce initiatives on time and within scope.
Kim is recognized for her collaborative, people-centered approach to workforce management. She has worked closely with executives, HR, procurement, finance, diversity and inclusion teams, suppliers, and hiring managers to develop effective workforce strategies and improve program performance. Her leadership experience includes managing teams across multiple regions, developing implementation plans, improving operational efficiency, and creating programs that encourage diverse participation and meaningful collaboration. Kim credits adaptability, relationship-building, perseverance, and the support of strong mentors for helping her navigate an evolving career and embrace opportunities that were not always part of her original plan.
Beyond her corporate career, Kim is deeply committed to community service, inclusion, and accessible athletics. She is the founder and Executive Director of Bridge City Inclusive Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved athletes and individuals with physical disabilities through inclusive sports programs, including wheelchair basketball. She also volunteers as a coach with Special Olympics Oregon and has become involved in wheelchair basketball herself. Through her professional leadership and nonprofit work, Kim demonstrates a strong commitment to compassion, empathy, kindness, diversity, and community. Her career reflects her belief that meaningful success comes not only from professional achievement, but also from creating opportunities for others to participate, grow, and thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kim
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to adaptability, relationship-building, collaboration, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. Throughout my 17-year career, I have continuously learned and evolved, progressing from recruiting coordination to executive leadership and now managing a global contingent workforce program across more than 20 countries. I believe strong relationships, mentorship, and the ability to bring people together have been essential to my success. Most importantly, I have learned to trust myself, advocate for my ideas, and remain open to growth and new challenges.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received was from Julia, a former CEO and global leader at Impellam Group, who encouraged me to “not be afraid to speak up.” She taught me that if something isn’t working or there is an opportunity to improve it, staying silent prevents others from benefiting from your perspective. That advice continues to shape how I lead today, reminding me to trust my voice, raise concerns constructively, and create an environment where others feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to speak up, build meaningful relationships, seek mentors, and embrace unfamiliar opportunities. Never assume your current position limits your potential. Trust your abilities, share your ideas confidently, and remain open to learning and growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see growing opportunities for women in staffing, workforce management, and leadership. As workforce programs become more complex, the key challenge is balancing technology, compliance, risk, and business goals while keeping people at the center. The greatest opportunity is to create innovative, inclusive workplaces where collaboration and every voice matter.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, empathy, kindness, community, and inclusion are the values that guide me in both my work and personal life. I believe success is not only about what I accomplish, but also about creating opportunities, supporting others, listening to their voices, and helping people feel valued and empowered to succeed.
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