“Michele is sharp, insightful, adaptive and a delightful colleague. Over the years, no matter the forum, I have found her to be a steady source of reason, creativity, wisdom and commitment in the work of systemic social change. ”
— Melinda Weekes-Laidlow, facilitator and social change architect; collaborator
“Michele has the all-too-rare combination of lived experience, studied expertise, and deep curiosity. She knows what she knows in a way that both grounds her and leaves her simultaneously open to exploring whichever path is in front of her with whichever group of people she is guiding. I would join her on most any journey.”
— Jamie B., philanthropy practitioner & arts administrator; training participant
“Michele brings both deep critical analysis of race and philanthropy and adept facilitation skills to her work. As an artist, she displays a fluidity and adaptability that helps her to meet the room where it is and guide participants through a journey.”
— Kathryn O'Neal-Dunham, philanthropy practitioner; training participant
“Unusual combination of intellectual and emotional brilliance. Impressive ability to synthesize and articulate everything.”
— colleague at Race Forward
“Michele and her work truly embody values that we sorely need more of in non-profit culture. She is highly attuned to feeling and healing, deeply committed to collaborative work, and immensely adept at engaging and networking stakeholders. As a facilitator Michele is just stellar and has the dexterity to navigate the push and pull of group learning and conflict. Working with Michele is the kind of rare privilege that comes from collaborating with someone who has a clear vision and acts with integrity & intention.”
— Malcolm Shanks, facilitator and political educator; collaborator
“Michele was an absolute pleasure to work with, constantly providing gentle and grounded support throughout our time together. I had the feeling she was always going the extra step: taking curiosity in who I was, listening carefully to what I was saying, and making sure that I had ways to access her and her expertise. Michele is mission and community-driven, so working together was an experience of sharing, envisioning, and empowerment.”
— Prumsodun Ok, artist and culture bearer, Founding Artistic Director, Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA; National Dance Project advisee
“Michele has the ability to change the conversation whenever she is in the room, and she does it in a way that is informed, opens discussion, and is offered generously. Those elements are key in helping people to listen—and to change their behavior.”