Michelle Friedman
Michelle Friedman is a seasoned development and engagement professional with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and advancement. Currently serving as Director of Advancement and Engagement at AJC Chicago, she plays a key role in fostering relationships, securing resources, and driving initiatives that support the organization’s mission. Over her career, Michelle has held leadership positions in a variety of organizations, including Friends of ELNET, American Friends of the Hebrew University, Rochelle Zell Jewish High School, and the Museum of Science and Industry, consistently demonstrating her ability to build strong donor networks and cultivate meaningful community engagement.
A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology, Michelle combines her understanding of human behavior with her strategic development expertise to strengthen organizational impact. Her work spans major gift fundraising, donor relations, and regional advancement initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to building sustainable support for educational, cultural, and community-focused programs.
Known for her collaborative approach and dedication to mission-driven work, Michelle is recognized for her ability to connect with stakeholders at all levels and create opportunities that advance both organizational goals and community engagement. Her career reflects a balance of strategic leadership, hands-on development experience, and a passion for creating meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign- B.S.
• National Jewish Human Services Association
• Disability Advocacy & Community Leadership (Independent Work)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to serving others—pivoting when life changed, showing up for disabled voices, and creating impact through leadership, advocacy, and storytelling.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering nonprofit leadership is to know your purpose and believe in your cause deeply, because clarity of purpose is what sustains you through obstacles, changing laws, and shifting systems.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include navigating inaccessible systems, limited disability representation in leadership, and societal misconceptions about blindness and capability. At the same time, there are opportunities to drive systemic change, advocate for inclusive education, and ensure that people with disabilities are represented and empowered in every space.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are justice, equality, and repairing the world, guided by my faith as a Jewish woman. I also deeply believe in demonstrating that having a disability doesn’t make someone any less capable—you just approach things differently.