Michelle Milone, MBA, MIS, CSM, CPOSP
Michelle Milone, MBA, MIS, CSM, CPOSP, is a seasoned Product Owner, Agile enthusiast, and college professor with over 15 years of experience delivering enterprise software solutions across healthcare, insurance, compliance, and retail domains. She excels at translating business strategy into actionable development work, managing stakeholder expectations, and driving high-performing, cross-functional teams. With deep expertise in regulatory environments including Medicare, Medicaid, and HIPAA, Michelle has consistently led initiatives that optimize workflows and enable enterprise transformations. In addition to her professional work, Michelle is a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct professor of Computer Science at Hillsborough College. She has supported students both in-person and online, fostering their success by creating engaging learning experiences and leveraging technology to facilitate coursework. Michelle’s background also includes leadership roles in project delivery and business analysis, where she has effectively managed backlogs, coordinated releases, and guided Agile teams through complex software implementations. Michelle holds an MBA and a Masters' in Information Systems. Beyond her professional achievements, she enjoys spending time at the beach and cherishing moments with her two daughters. Known for her positivity, inclusivity, and focus, Michelle combines technical expertise with a collaborative, people-centered approach that empowers teams and inspires growth.
• University of Phoenix- MIS
• Volunteer with Rescue Animals of Florida
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a hard worker and intentionally building a life that I love. I focus on putting consistent effort into everything I do while aligning my work and personal life with my values and passions.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Strive to build a reputation rooted in positivity. When your name is associated with an initiative, it should inspire confidence and optimism, not resistance or negativity.
Being associated with positivity means approaching challenges constructively, offering solutions instead of just identifying problems, and respecting the people you work with—even in difficult moments. Over time, those patterns shape how others perceive you.
Never forget to double check that you are on 'mute' before you say anything negative during a meeting.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
While progress has been made toward closing the gap between women and men in the workforce, we are still not where we need to be. Because of that, I encourage you to never hesitate to pursue opportunities that have traditionally been dominated by men.
You may find yourself as the only woman in a room, and in those moments, it’s important to stand tall, speak with confidence, and never allow your voice to be diminished. Make your skills, your knowledge, and your value unmistakably clear. Even if it takes a little extra effort to be seen or heard, don’t let anyone forget what you bring to the table.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is evolving rapidly, and the way it’s often discussed in the media can make it seem like a simple tool—something you download and instantly use to do extraordinary things. In reality, it’s far more complex than that.
Because of this complexity, it’s important to take time to understand what companies are actually trying to achieve with AI and to thoughtfully consider whether it’s being applied responsibly and appropriately. The technology itself is powerful, but how it’s used matters just as much. As Ben Parker famously said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness and empathy are central to who I am, both professionally and personally. I aim to treat others with respect and compassion, believing that these values foster stronger relationships and contribute to a more positive, connected environment.
Always remember your own strength and potential. There is nothing you can’t work toward or achieve. As you follow your dreams, know that I’ll be cheering for you every step of the way, with hope and belief in everything you can become.
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou
Locations
Hillsborough College
Zephyrhills, FL 33541