Hi, I’m
Michelle!
I believe that fundraising isn’t just asking for money; it’s a movement. I partner with nonprofits to develop robust fundraising strategies that move away from transactional "asks" and toward a culture of total giving that centers equity, community power, and joy.
I work across diverse sectors such as advocacy, human rights, healthcare, and the arts. With over two decades of experience, I bring a Midwest work ethic and a Pacific Northwest heart to the "messy middle" of organizational life. Whether I am serving as an Interim Development Director or architecting a growth roadmap, I help organizations align their people’s values with the change they desire.
My approach is forged by a life of collective action. My Peace Corps experience divorced me from saviorism, embracing community-led solutions instead. Chairing the Community Advisory Board for the HIV/AIDS Vaccine Trials Unit deepened my commitment to advocacy, and captaining roller derby teams taught me that any group of people can work together when they have the right plan and strong communication.
In addition to my consulting work, I am an instructor for the University of Washington Fundraising & Nonprofit Management Certificate program and have held multiple leadership roles on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Advancement Northwest Board.
I’m a Pacific Northwesterner who wears my upbringing in the Midwest like a comfortable winter coat. I’m a member of the #BikeForSnacks bicycle gang. I love my wife, cake, and cats.