Her Story
About Monique
Monique Michel serves as the Executive Director of her own dance company in Nampa, Idaho, which she founded in 2003 after moving from Los Angeles, California, in 1997. As a folklórico dancer by background, she started the company with four dancers in a friend's garage to share cultural dances, build community, and preserve Mexican heritage and traditions. Today, the company has performed in five states, for three governors and three Mexican consulates, reached its ninth generation of dancers, and performed at Disneyland. Michel brings more than 20 years of educational experience, including teaching English as a Second Language to children of migrant workers and refugees at the College of Western Idaho. She holds a bachelor's degree with a minor and is pursuing an MBA in business management with a concentration in arts nonprofit management. Through her work, she connects the arts, culture, and education while emphasizing gratitude, honoring her ancestors and heritage, and fostering strong community ties.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monique
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have a ton of gratitude. I'm always mindful of honoring my culture and honoring my heritage, honoring my ancestors that came before me. Community is a big deal to me. I'm very loyal, and I'm very grateful. Maintaining that community and respecting the friendship and that word-of-mouth advertising.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
More words of encouragement than specific advice. I struggle to pinpoint one piece of career advice.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Tune out the naysayers. Focus on her goals. Find her tribe and connect within community. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Cuts in arts and education funding. Everybody wants the arts, nobody wants to fund the arts. Paid performances are very few and far between, especially in summer months.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Gratitude, honoring culture and heritage, ancestors, community, loyalty.
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