As a third-generation Manatee County native, Michelle cherishes her deep-rooted connection to the community. Whether it be in her career or through volunteering and board work, she is intentional about connecting her efforts back to Manatee County.
Michelle earned a marketing degree at Florida State University in Tallahassee where she also spent the early stages of her career emerging into the field of marketing for one of the largest student housing properties in the city. Then in 2010, she returned to Manatee County to care for her mother. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Michelle worked at Manatee Elementary School for 5 years, after which she pursued her enthusiasm for philanthropy with The Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness.
While working as a legislative aide under former Member of the Florida House of Representatives Wengay Newton, Michelle quickly developed a passion working in legislation. “I fell in love with helping people solve problems at state agencies and learning how laws are made so that I could bring that information back home to Manatee County,” said Michelle.
Her commitment to philanthropy and serving in non-profit sector are rooted in the values that her parents instilled in her from a young age. She joined Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s board in 2020 after volunteering on the Strategic Planning Committee. She is excited to take on this new role as Chair of the board as we enter a period of resurgence.
Michelle hopes to continue to grow our board to bring in new ideas and perspectives and get the community excited about the work that we are doing. “One of my goals as the chair is to make sure that everyone in Manatee County, whether they can or can’t, wants to donate their time, money, and resources to our organization,” said Michelle.
