Her Story
About Michele
I have been in the nonprofit field for 16 years as CEO and founder of the Student Global Ambassador Program. I started it after being diagnosed with cancer while working as senior VP of advertising, wanting to give back to underserved students, especially girls. We have impacted 5,300 students in 81 schools. I hold an MBA from Georgetown University and am passionate about sustainability and green jobs.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michele
01What do you attribute your success to?
My faith in God, the upbringing from my immigrant parents instilling ambition, and being an upstander rather than a bystander when seeing injustice.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't believe the title. Don't be intimidated by being the only woman at the table. Use that to your advantage and realize that you have a voice and it's important that you be heard.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Give yourself some elbow room in the crowded nonprofit space. Dig your feet in the ground because you're here to stay. Focus on your mission but be willing to be flexible and pivot to achieve it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Reduced federal funding means larger, medium, and small nonprofits compete for the same dollars. This challenge is also an opportunity to think outside the box, seek diverse funders, and morph the organization while staying aligned with mission and vision to monetize effectively.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity to speak truth, respect starting with self-respect, and valuing the ongoing process of education and continuous learning and growth.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.