Michelle Brown

I attribute my success to the people who have believed in and supported me. At an early age, I had a godmother who encouraged me to be just this person that I am. And my mother - she did everything, and she would always show up and be there to support me. So I would say my family, my community. My mother retired from one job and went back to school and had a second career. I come from a family of women who are like that. I've also been inspired by people I've met along the way, like James and Grace Boggs, who were activists involved in a lot of things. They both encouraged me to use my voice, to be involved, and not just take the safe route. Grace told me I had a gift and that I had a responsibility to share it. They encouraged me to take it up to another level, and I was just like, now, you see that in me? Yes, we do. Those who are allowed to be given a lot is responsible - you have a responsibility.

The best career advice I've ever received is to show up and be you. Don't be afraid to shine, because sometimes we think, oh, no one would accept me, no one would - I don't have anything to bring. But show up, be you, because in showing up and being you, someone's going to see it, you may inspire someone, and you're a force. It's necessary for you to be there. They say visibility matters, being present matters.

I would say to be vulnerable, but to have thick skin, because everybody isn't going to like what you say. But also think before you speak. You can't take words back. And if in doubt, take a moment - take a couple moments, listen to what the person is saying, particularly if they disagree with you. Listen. And then think wisely before you respond, even if what you end up saying is, well, you know, at this point, we just have to agree to disagree. But respect their opinion, ask for their respect, but listen, think before you speak. Words have power.

I think a lot of the biggest challenges are - it's interesting because I love where we are with the internet. I think it has allowed me to reach a broader audience, but it has also made it to where sometimes you lose that contact with people, and that is really important. So not to hide behind or get caught up, so caught up in living online that you don't live in the moment. I think that's one of the biggest challenges. And then I think that a lot of things are under attack, like the arts, DEI - diversity, equity, inclusion - these things are under attack. And to stay out there, even though I've talked to people who go like, you know what, it's so bad, I'm just not gonna try and do anything, because I just can't win. No, you have to stay engaged, you have to do it. Not only do you have to vote, but you have to encourage others, because this is the system. And if we don't work and make the system what we want it and take accountability, we have to work at it. You just have to get out there. Fall down, but pick yourself up, and get back out there.

Being authentic. Being vulnerable - you know, it's scary. Like, someone says, how can you - aren't you afraid to go up and speak before people? Well, yeah, I am, but you know what? I know you have to be vulnerable, and everyone's not going to agree with you. So, being authentic, being vulnerable. And just having a zest for life.