BIOGRAPHY PAGE: MICHELLE COURTNEY BERRY
“I rise everyday excited to help other artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, and visionary creatives like me feel valued, heard, and held. But don’t just take it from me; hear what others have to say!” Womenpreneur-20 Empowering Women U.S. - AP News; CEO Weekly; Kivo Daily News: The Workplace Doc™; Authority Magazine: Leading from the C-Suite; Authority Magazine: Leading from the Heart; Tracking Happiness, Good Morning America, Virgin Pulse, among other coverage worldwide.
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Michelle Courtney Berry Intro Bio
Michelle Courtney Berry is a multifaceted expert in workplace wellness, an accomplished orator with over 5,000 talks delivered, including two TEDx and two SXSW experiences, keynote speaker, transformative trainer, workshop leader, talented facilitator, performing/spoken word artist and actor, playwright, humorist, performer, Poet Laureate, and best-selling author skilled in leadership transformation and trauma recovery. As a former C-Suite executive and Founder/CEO of the award-winning Courtney Consulting Enterprises, LLC and the America Rises initiative, Michelle champions healthier work environments across various industries, sectors, campuses, and businesses. Her academic credentials include ongoing doctoral studies at LSUS, a master's degree in Organizational/Risk Communication from Cornell University, and two bachelor's degrees (English, Literature, and Rhetoric and Political Science) from Binghamton University, where she was a Commencement Speaker. Her diverse background in print and TV journalism, government, elected office (serving as a City Councilwoman, Alternate Acting Mayor for the City of Ithaca, and an Elected Delegate in her Congressional District for President Obama), and holistic, mindful approaches to healing uniquely positions her to address human resources and people management challenges. An internationally certified NLP Master Coach for Life and Business Success, Reiki Master Teacher, meditation teacher, and trauma reduction expert, she combats workplace toxicity and promotes employee well-being worldwide. Michelle has been featured on "Good Morning America" and in "O" and Authority Magazines and was named one of 20 Empowering Women in the US by Womenpreneur. She has opened for Dr. Maya Angelou, Mos Def, Howard Zinn, and the Dalai Lama. Michelle invites entrepreneurs, students, leaders, and other visionaries to leverage her expertise and collaborate compassionately for enhanced organizational health and employee well-being. Find her at: www.michellecourtneyberry.com - @mcbspeaker (Insta) @michellecberry (Twitter) and www.linkedin.com/in/michelleberry
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Michelle Courtney Berry: Long Bio: Overcoming Trauma
Michelle Courtney Berry (she/her/hers) is the Founder and CEO of Courtney Consulting Enterprises and America Rises. A survivor of numerous traumatic events—including kidnapping, near-blindness, deafness in one ear (twice), catching on fire, rescuing a drowning child, and caring for terminally ill loved ones—Michelle has overcome toxic environments, burnout, and cycles of perfectionism and relentless overachievement. With the help of mentors, coaches, and providers, she became an in-demand humanitarian and Renaissance woman.
Michelle is also a doctoral scholar in executive leadership at LSUS, wellness researcher, keynote speaker, critical incident stress reduction coach, and healer with over 20 years of experience. She dedicates her life to helping overachieving visionaries reset, de-stress, and uplevel their self-care so they can enjoy their success.
Born in Manhattan and raised two hours north in a log cabin in the Catskills by parents who were state government retirees, Michelle’s diverse upbringing shaped her drive. Her mixed-race mother was a writer and sales expert, and her father was a CPA and standout athlete. Michelle is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and lifelong advocate for women’s rights, mentoring and supporting young women and girls in STEM fields. She has launched three businesses: a leadership wellness company, a reiki and meditation firm, and a full-service marketing agency. Cited by O Magazine as a top national fundraiser for children of military parents (Camp C.O.P.E), she’s delivered over 5,000 keynotes, workshops, and retreats across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Africa, earning recognition as an expert on healthy workplaces and inclusive leadership.
A former TV journalist covering The White House and Capitol Hill, Michelle has been a spokesperson for major brands, Ivy League business schools, and city governments. She was elected to City Council in Ithaca, NY, serving as Alternate Acting Mayor and was also a delegate for President Obama. Cited as a people's choice winner in "Best New Common Council Member," "Best Local Legislator," and "Best Actor/Actress" by the Ithaca Times, Michelle shifted from a career in academia, marketing, and politics and now focuses on healing arts, stress reduction, and leadership development, empowering global clients to reset, de-stress, and enjoy success authentically.
As a devoted mom, healer, and thought leader, Michelle aims to make work less stressful, make leaders happier and more efficient, and improve the world. She values empathy and is committed to advancing global workplace health through ethical, inclusive leadership. A former Tompkins County Poet Laureate, Michelle is also a Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Karuna Reiki® Master, certified wellness coach, and expert on workplace psychology, helping hundreds of thousands of audiences around the lead happier, healthier lives.
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Michelle Courtney Berry Certifications & Awards
Michelle's Certifications include Virtual Presenter; Life, Wellness & Business Coach; Burnout Reduction Expert; DEI Consultant; Group Conflict Negotiator; Usui Reiki Master Teacher; Karuna Reiki Master Teacher; and Critical Incident Stress De-Briefer. She also has three Ithaca Times Readers’ Poll distinctions for which she is grateful: (“Best New Common Council Member,” “Best Local Legislator,” and “Best Actor/Actress”).
Ignation Scholarship, Scholars Day Award, Executive Leadership, Doctoral Studies, LeMoyne College, Syracuse, NY (2023-24)
Citation, Economic Champion, CenterState CEO, Syracuse, NY - one of only 41 businesses recognized for DEI Leadership & Excellence in New York State, 2022
Inaugural Achievement Award for Outstanding Town-Gown Relationships and Career Excellence in Health, Wellness, Government, and the Arts by Cornell University President Martha Pollack, 2018
Accepted into the “Hive Global Leaders Program,” at Harvard University, 2018
Citation, Best Meditation Experts List, PeopleMaven.com, 2017
Citation, “9 Meditation Experts to Follow to Improve Your Life,” Self-Thrive, 2016
Certification, American Union of NLP, Neurolinguistics Practitioners, Certified Life Coach with Dr. Steve Jones, 2016 2016
“Top 10 Meditation Experts,” Asaya Mind, 2015
Commissioned Poet, Cornell SC Johnson Business School, Cornell University, In honor of Tuskegee Airman and first black Cornell MBA graduate Mr. Wilbur Parker, 2015
Commissioned Poet, Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, “Impressions through Prints – a Five-Century Overview of the Printmaking Arts,” 2015
Selected Meditation Trainer, Healing Arts Expert, and Reiki Master Teacher by-invitation-only conference for global visionaries, produced by Mindvalley.com, 2014
First Place “Aspire Award” for Best Local Chapter & Chapter Leadership, awarded by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Times Square, New York, New York, received from Star Jones, 2014
First Place Women (Fourth Place Overall) for the “Total Lean Challenge” - Over 30,000 participants in a fitness challenge sponsored by GNC & Map My Fitness, 2014
Named “Best Local Actor/Actress,” Ithaca Times Readers’ Poll, 2014
Citation, as an “Economic Champion,” CenterState CEO, 2012
Launched and Founded the Citizens’ Project, Community Diversity & Inclusion Project – Launched with Community Gathering for Viewings of “Freedom Riders,” Ithaca, NY, 2011 (http://www.ithaca.com/news/citizens-project-presents-documentary-on-historic-freedomriders/article_c844c108-7c16-11e0-b975-001cc4c03286.html)
Named “Could You?” Fellow for Business Leaders and Healing Artists Mozambique, South Africa, 2010
Recipient, Woman of Distinction: Excellence in Career & Service National Association of University Women (NAUW), 2010
Citation, Who’s Who in Business, Madison’s Who’s Who in Business Directory, 2010
Cited for Top Ten U.S. Fundraiser for Children of U.S. Veterans, Listed in “O-Magazine,” for Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Charities, “Camp C.O.P.E.,” 2010
First Poet Published in Horticulture Magazine, 2009
Citation, Who’s Who in Business, Cambridge Who’s Who in Business Directory, 2009
Tribute to Black History Month and Leading CEOs for Excellent Contributions to African-American Arts & Science Education, Ernie Davis Peace Club, 2009
Commissioned Opening Poet and Singer, Cornell University, Interfaith Service – His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, wrote opening poem and song, and opened the event for over 50 community members and dignitaries participating, 2008
Recipient, Archie D., and Bertha H. Walker Foundation Fellow in Poetry, Fine Arts Work Center, Provincetown, Massachusetts, 2008
Selected to Represent the Finger Lakes Region on “Good Morning America,” Chosen by the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=6095530&page=1, 2008
Selected to write the Forward to poet Sarah Mkhonza’s book of poems, “Woman in a Tree,” as requested by the City of Asylum Board, http://vistaperiodista.blogspot.com/2008/11/woman-in-tree-by-sarah-mkhonza.html, 2008
Elected Vice-Chair of the New York State Delegation, voted by the delegation as 1 of 30 Vice-Chairs to the Democratic National Convention, and represented the LGBTQiA+ and rural population delegations at the Convention, 2008
Elected Woman Delegate for President Barack Obama, Received over 16,000 votes in the former 22nd Congressional District of New York to vote for the President at the Democratic National Convention, 2008
Named “One of 20 Outstanding Women You Should Know,” recognized by Cayuga Radio Group, 2008
Named “A Politician to Watch,” cited by Capitol News, 2006
Named “Best Local Legislator, Ithaca Times Readers’ Poll, 2006
Re-Appointed as Tompkins County Poet Laureate, Term extended an additional year by the Tompkins County Legislature, 2006
Named Second Poet Laureate of Tompkins County (first person of color), finalist chosen by the Community Arts Partnership and confirmed by the Tompkins County Legislature to a One-Year Term, 2005
Named “Best New Member of Common Council,” Ithaca Times Readers’ Poll, 2005
Named “A Woman of Distinction: Excellence in Career & Community Service,” Awarded by the National Association of University Women (NAUW), 2005
Created the first African Americans of Distinction Resolution, along with Alderperson Gayraud Townsend, designed to recognize and honor area African American community leaders during Black History Month in the City of Ithaca. This legislation is still in effect today. http://www.ithacajournal.com/story/news/local/2015/03/03/sams-honored-city-hallplaque/24329003, 2004
Elected Alderperson, Ward 2 for the City of Ithaca, served a four-year term on Ithaca’s Common Council (2004-07). The second African American woman in history served alongside the first woman Mayor of the City of Ithaca.
Elected Alternate Acting Mayor for the City of Ithaca, unanimously appointed by Common Council colleagues (2004-07), for four years.
Recipient, Award for Fiction, Community Arts Partnership, 2003
Invited Poet, 2003 Breadloaf Writers’ Conference, Middlebury, Vermont, 2003
Panelist, National Science Foundation, reviewed grants for the Digital Library Project, 2003
Black History Award, For Outstanding Contributions to African-American Culture through Literature and the Performing Arts, Ernie Davis Middle School Peace Club, 2001
Ranked in the top 15 Poets Nationwide at the National Poetry Slam Festival, Seattle, Washington, 2001
Recipient, National Awards for Print, Media, Design & TV Production. Directed the Communications Campaign Team for the United Way of Broome County. The campaign/marketing team was recognized nationally by the United Way of America in 2001
Harpur College Alumni Award, for Distinguished Service to the College or University, for exceptional contributions to their professions and outstanding public service, Harpur College, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 1999
Guest Speaker, Alumni Recognition, Narrowsburg Central School, 1998
Cave Canem Poetry Fellow, three-year recipient of this fellowship, Esopus, NY 1997-99
Poets & Writers Grant Recipient, café and non-profit collaboration to bring art to coffeehouses, 1997
Top Individual Fundraiser, “Relay for Life,” American Cancer Society, Broome County, in honor of Glenn W. Wright, her father who died from prostate cancer 1997
Outstanding Young Woman of America Citation, 1997
Named by the community to Co-Chair the People’s Project on Crime Prevention. Worked with County Executive, Mayor, ministers, law enforcement, and other community leaders to develop a countywide comprehensive crime prevention strategy in partnership with area emergency management personnel, 1997
Commissioned Poet, Roberson Museum & Science Center, Binghamton, NY, 1996
Roberson Museum & Science Center, Binghamton, New York.
Who’s Who Among American Professionals under 30 Award, 1996
Who’s Who in America Citation, 1995
Named “Woman of the Year,” Status of Women Council, Broome County, NY, 1995
Selected Opening Poet for Dr. Maya Angelou at the Anderson Center, Binghamton, New York. Chosen by the Board of Directors of the Discovery Center Museum, who brought Dr. Angelou 1995
Most Funds Raised, Michelle Berry & City Hall Staff, “Making Strides Against Cancer,” American Cancer Society, Broome County Unit, 1993
Summer Scholar, Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown, Fund for American Studies program: The Institute for Political Journalist (IPJ). Studied Media Ethics & Economics. Worked as an on-air television journalist who covered the White House & Capitol Hill during The Reagan Administration in Washington, D.C., 1988
Held the Presidential Scholarship and a Scripps-Howard Foundation Scholarship throughout all years of undergraduate study. Completed a dual degree in three years. Nominated by a panel of peers, alumni, students, and staff to serve as Harpur College’s Commencement Speaker. Graduated with an Outstanding Academic Performance citation, 1988
What People Say about Michelle Courtney Berry
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Nancy Rosen, LICSW, Psychotherapist and Life Coach
“Michelle is multi-talented and inspirational. As the keynote speaker at my agency's annual meeting, she deeply engaged and touched every participant. Her presentation was dynamic, exciting and heart warming. I have also experienced Michelle as an actress, poet, singer and activist--she is outstanding in all her roles. She is a treasure to the community.”
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VirginPulse Thrive Summit Attendees (2022)
“Loved Michelle Courtney Berry's presentation she was spectacular!!!”
“ALL of the speakers were incredible, but I particularly loved Michelle Courtney Berry. I loved that the focus was mental wellbeing and feel like that is the foundation of all wellbeing, so please keep this as a primary topic area.”
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Svante Myrick, Former Mayor, City of Ithaca
“Michelle is truly a gifted coach and amazing speaker. She helped me unlock my potential, not by teaching me, not by giving me something that wasn’t already inside of myself, but by having faith in me and showing me how to transform my life. I’m a product of her teachings.”
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Alan J. Cohen, Former Mayor, City of Ithaca
“What comes through most in Michelle’s speaking is her passion for everything she does, which translates into an infectious enthusiasm that others cannot help but share. When she speaks, you experience the topic with her in an tangible way that transcends any and all boundaries.”
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Richard A. Bucci, Former Mayor, City of Binghamton
“As a member of my cabinet, Michelle possessed solid communication skills and interacted positively with diverse constituencies. Most importantly, she enjoyed working with people.”
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Rob Pannell, 2013 Tewaaraton Award Recipient (Top LAX Player in the US)
“Something in my game was off and I wasn’t playing at the level I wanted to. After Michelle’s reiki energy work and wellness coaching I had one of the best practices of the year with multiple people coming up to me and commenting on my performance.”
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Brian DeYoung, NYS Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at Berkshire Hathaway
“I have known Michelle over a decade and worked with her for a few years. Michelle is a well known, enthusiastic coach. She will bring energy to your team and a unique perspective to your problem-solving situations. She gets the job done and brings in powerful results. She assesses and collaborates and then gets to work, boots on the ground to make things happen. I have enjoyed working with her, and almost weekly people will mention a project she was involved in. Make it happen, consult with Michelle, or have her speak to your group.”
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Danielle Klock, Portland, Oregon
“I went to Michelle to get unstuck. What I feel today is serenity, and an absolute absence of anger and fear. I feel at peace, gentle, alive. Thank you for your tremendous care, skill, and beauty. What a gift you are.”
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Priyanka H., MD, Psychiatrist, Vancouver, BC
“You’ve changed my life forever. I missed your voice in my meditation back home, but I was able to channel the way you made me feel that morning at our retreat. You have a way to connect people to the divine and I hope you know how special you are!”
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Angelique Rewers, CEO of Boldhaus
“Michelle is one of the most impressive people I’ve met in a long time.”
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Sonya K., MD, Harvard University
“Your meditation moved me and pulled me closer to my heart’s intentions.”
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James Brown, retired CEO, Ithaca
“If you have the privilege and honor of attending any of Michelle’s shows, performances, or facilitations, you leave with joy, laughter, reflection, and many chances to lift your hearts, minds, emotional and physical health.”
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Cal Walker, Executive Director, Ithaca
“Michelle’s one-woman show Labor is the funniest play I’ve ever seen. From her business to volunteering to being an artist and elected official, Michelle is a blessing for our community.”
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Mary George Opperman, VP of HR, Cornell University
“Michelle gave a terrific presentation on stress, time and your bottom-line at our fall all-staff Human Resources gathering. She was very engaging and I know the group appreciated your humor and great advice.”
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Sandra R., CEO, Bogota, Columbia
“Michelle’s meditation took me to amazing places of peace where water was flowing and children were playing.”
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Brian Wilbur, Retired Fire Chief
“We asked Michelle Courtney Berry to be our keynote speaker and as always, Michelle exceeded my (and our) expectations. Her use of humor, empathy, and compassion in her unique and effective (and animated) style was refreshing and held our members in rapt attention as she took them with her on a fascinating exploration of her experiences and observations on life. She is an outstanding presenter and equally outstanding person that I can recommend without reservation!”
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Ken Harris, Former Practice Administrator, Guthrie
“I've had many opportunities to observe Michelle's excellent work. Michelle is unparalleled when it comes to the quality of her work, customer focus and reaching her goals. Michelle is easy to work with, yet possesses exacting standards, always ensuring that "can-do" attitude is front and center. Michelle's work is unhesitatingly recommended.”
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Richard A. Bitner, President, Chief Revenue Officer and Founding Partner of HousingWire Magazine
“As a classic Type A executive, I found working with Michelle absolutely transformative on every level. I’ve learned to meditate. I discovered true balance. Michelle has been a remarkable coach, intuitive healer, and steadfast confidant.”
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Bob Riter, Former Executive Dir., Cancer Resource Center
“Michelle served as a moderator with me for a localized version of the national Cancer Moonshot Summit, led by Vice President Joe Biden, that took place at the same time in Washington, DC. Her summation at the end of the event was a tour-de-force, virtuoso summary of both the words and spirit of the gathering. It was one of the most accomplished and poetic recaps of any event, many of us had ever heard. She is an astounding speaker and motivator! She was a stellar professional, and her words truly captured the hearts of the audience. She really is the best.”
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Richard Gallagher, CEO, Point of Contact Group
“Michelle is funny, genuine, accessible, and knows her stuff. She has a clear game plan to dramatically improve your life - in as little as seven days. Book Michelle and you'll be inspired, uplifted, and entertained!”
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Jon Harrod, Owner, SnugPlanet
“Working with Michelle as my coach, I felt an immediate improvement in my health and energy, and the people around me started to notice too. Michelle also helped me tap into things that were missing in my life. A year after we wrapped up our initial round of coaching, I’m still feeling the benefits. Weight loss, improved mood, more energy. And my contracting business has taken off! I’m carving out the time and focus to do the writing I always wanted to do. I appreciate all she did and I am looking forward to working together again in the future.”
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Scott Arthur-Wages, Sales Manager, NY
“God this lady is brilliant…seldom do I see more cogent, humanist/trans-humanist, PRACTICAL philosophy espoused by a single individual, and ALWAYS in the name of love and greater understanding of ourselves and our world.”
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Angela Noble-Grange, Faculty, Cornell University
“Michelle has an extraordinary talent with words. Like Maya Angelou, her words on the page are beautiful, surpassed only by hearing them spoken by her voice.”
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Puja J., CEO, Switzerland
“During her riveting meditation for Mindvalley, I experienced beautiful moments put into words during our healing group meditation. She is a gift!.”
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Richard Gallagher, CEO, Point of Contact Group
“Michelle is funny, genuine, accessible, and knows her stuff. She has a clear game plan to dramatically improve your life - in as little as seven days. Book Michelle and you’ll be inspired, uplifted, and entertained!”
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Morgan D., Entrepreneur, San Diego, CA
“Michelle’s reiki session and meditation transitioned me from a place of many blockages and great discomfort, to a place of energized vitality, and overall wellness. I can’t thank her enough for her gifts. I was able to continue on my path without pain.”
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Joan Spielholz, Researcher Infectious Diseases, Cornell Veterinary College
“Michelle’s original poem to civil rights icon Dorothy Cotton and her recitation reached heights of emotion that moved everyone in the State Theatre to their feet. My heart jumped in my chest.”
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Barbara Mink, Artist, Professor & Former Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature
“Michelle is a powerful, intelligent, and inspirational speaker who tailors her message to the audience and keeps results in mind. In terms of her performances they have all been memorable. Michelle is also a consummate professional: organized, creative, and effective. Her ability to deliver on- time and on- budget is enhanced by remarkable personal charisma; a package of assets that translates well in many different realms.”
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Mike Koplinka-Loehr, Former Chair, Tompkins County Legislature
“I consistently enjoyed working with Michelle in her capacity as Alderperson on Ithaca’s City Council. She was professional, insightful, most definitely a hard worker, and fun to interact with. I recommend her highly.”
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Song Trece, Global Performer, Artist
“Absolutely love this woman…she is the truth and the real deal. Michelle is an amazing life force, coach, and retreat leader. She really understood my business and has supported in my growth at every turn. Michelle is awesomely beautiful inside and out!’
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Wenmouth Williams, Emeritus Faculty Member, Ithaca College
“My experiences with Michelle at Ithaca College were exceptional. She worked tirelessly with our students. She was a task-master in setting high expectations for them which is critical to success not only in teaching but also as a public servant. I appeared before Common Council representing students concerning an issue of importance to them. I was impressed with Michelle's commitment” to objectivity and willingness to share her points of view--not always found in public bodies. I highly recommend her and without reservation.”
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Leslie Danks-Burke, Attorney-at-Law
“Michelle possesses the unusual and priceless trifecta: deep capacity for listening, exceptional communication skill, and wisdom. I have been enriched by my work with Michelle, and I'm deeply grateful to her for her teaching. Anyone seeking to find what lies within themselves, will be blessed by guidance from Michelle.”
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Grant Bradski, Initiative Coordinator, Senior Research Associate, As You Sow
“Overall we really loved Michelle’s leadership session with us during our retreat. From our wrap up, from what I remember all comments were positive and everyone seemed to get a lot out of our session with you. We will keep her in mind for future work with our teams.”