Michelle brings nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications, design, marketing, research and data integration, and organizational development. Her upbringing in a multigenerational household and her identity as a disabled, white-assumed, mixed-ethnicity woman of Mexican heritage informs her dedication to activating meaningful change through a commitment to equity, access, and authentic storytelling. Michelle believes in supporting the self-determination of individuals and communities to undo systems of oppression and realize a just future. Previously, she served as Communications and Data Integration Director and then as Deputy Director at Our Children Oregon, where she was a co-creator of the All Children Thrive (ACT) Collective. Michelle began her nonprofit career working with community leaders and direct service organizations at United Way. Her journey then led her to the social research and evaluation field, where she worked in partnership with communities to leverage data, information visualization, and stories to support social change before moving to Oregon in 2019. 

Michelle has a Master's in Business Administration and undergraduate degrees in History and Art (Printmaking). She enjoys hiking, biking, roller skating, and traveling, and dabbles in ceramics and other arts and crafts. Michelle lives in Portland with her partner, two children, pets, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants.