Michelle Short

I attribute my success to my faith, resourcefulness, perseverance, and willingness to see opportunity in every situation. My faith has guided me throughout my journey and given me the clarity and confidence to recognize opportunities that I believe are aligned with my purpose. I am also persistent and resilient, having learned early in my career as a salesperson that rejection is not always a definitive “no”—sometimes it means “not right now” or can lead to another valuable connection. Working in the nonprofit sector has reinforced the importance of resilience, as there are often challenges, delays, and missed opportunities. Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage me, I focus on finding the positive, building relationships, and trusting that each encounter has a purpose.

The best career advice I have ever received is to believe in myself. Early in my mortgage career in Hawaii, I started as a loan officer with very little knowledge of the industry I grew up in a low-income household and had never even been familiar with having a mortgage. During my interview, I was honest about what I did not know, but David Patti took a chance on me and saw potential in me. After my first month, he gave me a sales book with a handwritten message encouraging me to call him when I closed my first loan because he believed in me and wanted me to believe in myself. I still have that book today, and his words have stayed with me throughout my career. I have tremendous respect and gratitude for him because his encouragement taught me the lasting value of confidence, mentorship, and believing in my own potential.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay focused, tune out the noise, and believe in their ability to move forward. There will always be people who doubt you, tell you that something is too ambitious, or make you question whether you are ready, but you do not have to wait for permission or perfect circumstances to pursue what is on your heart and in your mind. Take one step at a time, surround yourself with positive people and mentors who challenge you to grow, and seek out rooms where you can learn from people who are more experienced or knowledgeable than you. Along the way, understand that setbacks and obstacles are simply temporary speed bumps, not roadblocks. Stay resilient, keep learning, and continue moving forward with confidence and purpose.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is fundraising. Asking individuals and organizations to make significant financial contributions can be difficult, particularly when the economy remains uncertain and people have less discretionary capacity to give. I have found that building genuine, relatable connections is essential because when people understand the mission, the need, and the meaningful impact their support can make, they are more likely to engage. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities through networking and the growing number of platforms that connect women, nonprofits, and professionals across communities. Today, we have access to resources and relationships that were not readily available years ago, allowing us to learn from organizations in other states, share successful strategies, and expand beyond our immediate circles. I am passionate about using these opportunities to support others, particularly women launching nonprofits, by sharing what I have learned and helping them navigate challenges more effectively so they can grow and succeed.

The value that is most important to me, both professionally and personally, is integrity. In my work as a nonprofit leader, people place a tremendous amount of trust in me they trust me with their resources, believe in what I communicate, and expect me to follow through on my commitments. I believe that integrity means being honest, accountable, and consistent, even when difficult decisions have to be made or circumstances become challenging. To me, integrity is not simply a professional standard; it is a personal principle that should guide every aspect of life. Building trust requires authenticity and doing what is right, even when no one is watching, and I strive to carry that commitment into every relationship and decision.