Take small steps until a pattern emerges, then a direction, then your steps become confident, able to align the path until it all comes together.
Michele Frucht Levy · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Michele
Michele Levy is a Professor Emerita, former department chair, writer, scholar, and researcher whose career has been distinguished by a deep commitment to literature, education, mentorship, and intellectual exploration. She served as a professor and chair of two departments during her academic career, including at North Carolina A&T State University and Xavier University of Louisiana, where she taught, mentored students, designed courses and curricula, developed academic programs, and contributed to university leadership. Following her studies at Bryn Mawr, Levy earned a bachelor’s degree in History from The George Washington University and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied French, Russian, and English literature.
Today, Levy continues to channel her passion for literature into creative writing, scholarship, and literary criticism. She is the author of Anna’s Dance: A Balkan Odyssey and is currently working on her second novel, Bone Fugue. She also reviews contemporary Balkan and Eastern European literature and moderates literary courses for intellectually engaged adults. An avid Balkan dancer, Levy remains actively involved in the literary and cultural communities that have shaped her life, finding particular joy in writing, teaching, research, and exploring the human experience through literature.
Levy attributes her success to what she describes as “pure serendipity,” along with the guidance and encouragement of the many mentors and advocates she encountered throughout her journey her “fairy godmothers and godfathers.” Her approach to life and work is grounded in love for herself and others, honesty, integrity, humility, and kindness. She believes in embracing imperfections, remaining authentic in the face of pressure, and standing firmly by one’s values while continuing to grow. For Levy, the process of becoming not simply the achievement of an end goal is what makes us human, and her enduring passion for her work, family, and grandchildren continues to inspire her personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michele
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of serendipity, the guidance and support of many wonderful mentors and advocates who have served as my “fairy godmothers and godfathers” along the way, and a genuine passion for what I do and the people I have the privilege of working with. My family and grandchildren are also a constant source of inspiration, grounding me in the importance of love, gratitude, and meaningful relationships. Above all, I believe that embracing every opportunity with passion, appreciation, and an open heart has shaped both my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow my passion because it truly makes a difference in building a fulfilling career. That is exactly what I have done throughout my professional journey. I also believe in standing by my values, trusting my instincts, and staying true to what I believe in. If you compromise those principles, you can eventually find yourself in a situation where you no longer enjoy or feel connected to the work you do. Staying authentic and committed to your passions has allowed me to build a career that continues to be meaningful and rewarding.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering academia or industry is to have confidence in the quality of your work and the value you bring, and to move forward fearlessly in a world that may sometimes try to knock you down. Stay true to your convictions, stand your ground, and remain humble while confidently advocating for yourself and what you believe is right. Never lose sight of the human side of your work, and remember that authenticity, thoughtfulness, and a strong sense of purpose can be powerful guides throughout your career. Most importantly, follow your passion, trust your journey, and have the courage to remain true to yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field today is finding ways to thrive in any environment without compromising my values, integrity, or sense of self. There can be significant pressure to conform to established norms or become part of the status quo, but I believe it is essential to remain grounded in who you are and what you stand for. The opportunity lies in navigating these challenges with resilience, authenticity, and confidence standing firm in your principles while remaining open to growth, collaboration, and new perspectives. Ultimately, success means being able to withstand pressure without losing yourself in the process.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, are love, self-acceptance, kindness, honesty, and integrity. I believe in loving and respecting yourself and others, embracing your imperfections, and treating people with compassion and humanity. I strive to make the world a better place through the way I live, work, and interact with others. Most importantly, I believe that it is the journey and the process that shape and fulfill us as human beings, not simply the goals we achieve. Staying true to these values allows me to lead with authenticity, purpose, and gratitude.
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