Program Associate
Michelle joined IEL in the summer of 2016. She provides programmatic, administrative, and grant management support to a variety of IEL initiatives, including the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, the Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program, the Right Turn Career-Focused Transition Initiative, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Youth Technical Assistance Center.
Prior to joining IEL, Michelle worked as a research and publications specialist for Washington Partners, LLC, a government affairs and public relations firm specializing in education legislation and nonprofit communications. There, she conducted analysis of policy and practice relevant to secondary and postsecondary education, student loans, and workforce development. Michelle authored the firms’ weekly higher education publications, reporting on industry news and legislation.
Prior, Michelle worked as a social media assistant for Special Olympics International, where she presided over the organization’s social media platforms and engaged in public dialogues with supporters and athletes. Michelle has continued to stay involved with Special Olympics, participating in D.C.’s Unified Sports league, which brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete in weekly sporting events. Before moving to D.C., Michelle completed a service year with Match Corps, a one-year urban education fellowship, working at Match Middle School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Michelle graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in History and a minor in Education.