Michelle is an entrepreneur and organizational leader with ten years of experience building internal systems, leading teams, and creating strategic partnerships and also has seven years of experience in curriculum and program development and facilitation.

I am excited to find more opportunities to bridge my entrepreneurial expertise with my academic interests in sociology, community organizing, and strengthening civil liberties. 

Personal Bio:

Michelle was born into a family of entrepreneurs, and from the age of seven, she grew up at the family-run flea market on the border of South Texas. Growing up around so many spirited and creative folks, Michelle couldn't resist getting bit by the entrepreneurship bug.

Today, Michelle is co-owner of Pulga Los Portales (same family flea-market from 97') and co-founder of the South Texas women's entrepreneurship conference, Hustle + Socialize.

She is a Founding Board Member of New Leaders Council – South Texas Frontera, previously Co-Director and Communication Chair, and today serves as Co-Director and Finance Chair of the chapter.

Michelle studied political science and history at Columbia University in New York City from 2009-2012. Most recently, she has returned to Columbia to study economic sociology and to conduct independent research on the stratification of quality of life in South Texas.

When she's not at her desk or working with friends and loved ones, you can find Michelle diving deep into her next favorite subject or exploring different hobbies. She also loves cooking with friends and family, spending time with her farm animals, making time to stretch and work out, and exploring different neighborhoods around the world.