Adjunct/Affiliated Professor
Michelle’s experience includes more than 25 years of leadership in the nonprofit and public sectors, including starting, leading and turning around multiple nonprofit and public policy initiatives.
She holds an undergraduate degree in communications/organizational development, a graduate degree in public administration/business and a law degree. In addition, Michelle completed a fellowship at the Humphrey Institute Public Policy Forum where she did her group work on women and people of color in political leadership.
At the age of 19, she founded “Avenues for Homeless Youth” which in 1993, was the first shelter for homeless youth in Minneapolis and the organization is still in existence today.
Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for youth experiencing homelessness and sexual exploitation, child welfare, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights and eliminating racism.
Michelle has held leadership position at nonprofits including: Avenues for Homeless Youth, FamilyWise, CommonBond Communities, the YWCA of Delaware, the Bridge for Youth and most recently, served as the CEO/President for the YWCA of Minneapolis.
