Michelle Nielson
Michelle Nielson is a seasoned nonprofit strategist with more than 20 years of experience across the health, wellness, education, and medical sectors. She currently serves as Executive Director of Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR), where she leads organizational growth, oversees operations and budgets, and builds strategic partnerships to support children and caregivers during times of crisis.
In addition to her role with CLDR, Michelle serves as a Grants Specialist at Lyrasis, where she provides strategic direction for the Catalyst Fund and supports equitable funding and capacity-building initiatives for libraries, archives, and museums nationwide. She also serves as Fund Development Officer for the Modern Widows Club, where she leads fundraising strategy, builds philanthropic partnerships, and advances sustainable funding to support long-term programs for widows.
Known for her ability to align strategy, grant management, and program development, Michelle has held senior leadership roles in nonprofit and healthcare-adjacent organizations and is recognized for helping organizations strengthen operations, expand partnerships, and increase community impact. Her professional credentials include Six Sigma Black Belt certification, grant writing and nonprofit financial management training, and recognition as part of Florida’s 40 Over 40 campaign.
Michelle holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Bellevue University. She is a strong advocate for mentorship, professional development, and collaborative leadership, with a career rooted in building resilient organizations and sustainable solutions that improve lives.
Orcid ID- https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3396-678X
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
• Grant Writing Certification
• Nonprofit Management Certification
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln - M.Ed.
• World Wide Womens Association
• Yoga Alliance
• American Marriage Ministries Ordination
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, persistence, and a commitment to leading with purpose. I approach challenges with focus and resilience, believing that meaningful progress comes from consistency, adaptability, and the willingness to stay engaged through complexity. Over time, this mindset has allowed me to build trust, strengthen teams, and deliver lasting impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to intentionally cultivate relationships and invest in your professional network. Meaningful connections create opportunities, offer perspective, and open doors to collaboration that often shape growth in ways skills alone cannot.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to build resilience early and trust your voice. Challenges will arise, but resilience grounded in adaptability, confidence, and self-advocacy, will carry you forward. Stay curious, claim your expertise, and don’t shrink your ambition. Your perspective is not only valid; it’s essential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most significant challenges- and opportunities- in my field right now is resource development. While securing funding requires strategic thinking, strong relationships, and innovative approaches, it also creates opportunities to deepen partnerships, expand reach, and build more sustainable, high-impact organizations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most- both personally and professionally- are integrity, honest communication, and being part of a supportive, collaborative team. I do my best work in environments where people trust one another, show up authentically, and work together toward a shared purpose. Those relationships are what make the work meaningful and sustainable for me.
Locations
Child Life Disaster Relief, Lyrasis, Modern Widows Club
Port Orange, FL 32128