Inspired by the opportunity to work within an organization committed to social justice, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, Michelle joined the Foundation in 2005 shortly after completing her degree in Communications (SFU). Over the years, Michelle has held several roles where she contributed to communications, community engagement, and organizational/program development; primarily with the Enterprising Non-Profits program and Strategic Programs team. Later, she lead the Foundation’s Communication + Engagement efforts. During this time Michelle acquired a professional Certificate in Community Economic Development (SFU), IAP2 Certification(s) in Public Engagement, and participated in Vancity’s Cooperative Economics Study Tour (University of Bologna, Italy).

Currently, Michelle is leading the Foundation’s Philanthropy team to embrace community centric fundraising and to expand and deepen the Foundation’s trust based grantmaking practices. In doing this work, Michelle has been reflecting on her social location and the intersectional power and privilege she holds. As a fifth-generation settler with Irish, Scottish, and English heritage she recognizes that her family has benefitted from stolen lands for many generations and that settler-philanthropy is rooted in colonization and white dominant culture. Michelle has made personal commitments to be a better ally and professional commitments to support a reorientation of philanthropy towards equity and justice.

Michelle is profoundly grateful for the wisdom and teaching shared by her team, peers, and the many instructors and advisors she has had the privilege of learning from, including through Partners in Reciprocity (the Circle on Philanthropy), the JEDI Accelerator (Philanthropic Foundations of Canada), Power in Privilege in Philanthropy Cohort (Community Foundations of Canada),  Community of Practice (Recast Philanthropy), and the Unfunded Report (Foundation for Black Communities).

Michelle is a mom, sister, auntie, friend and daughter. She loves to read, write, and be in nature paddling or meandering in the forest. She is grateful to for Elders past and present, for their stewardship of the land since time immemorial, and for being able live, love, learn, work and play on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔ /Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.