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Be & do Whatever you choose regardless of what others think
The Writer
Born in DC in 1979, Michele’s early years were spent in the quiet suburb of Burtonsville, Maryland. After 2004, she became somewhat of a nomad within Montgomery County, raising two delightful children, Devin and Renee’, along the way. Michele’s professional journey saw her navigating the legal industry in various administrative roles before taking a sharp turn into the world of supply chain management. Armed with a Bachelor of Psychology (2012) and a Master of Business Administration (2019) from the University of Maryland University College, she’s proof that you can handle both brains and brawn. Her creative streak was evident from middle school when she was tasked with creating a pop-up card. Michele’s masterpiece, crafted for her niece Leslie, earned her an A+. However, her teacher’s decision to keep the card for the entire school year meant Leslie’s birthday came and went without the card, a quiet devastation that led Michele to abandon her artistic pursuits – until recently. Tennis became Michele’s new focus, where she excelled and earned the number two spot on her high school team. She felt she deserved the number one spot, but being a black girl in a predominantly white sport came with its challenges. Despite these hurdles, she shone brightly, leading the chorus with a piano solo and earning an athletic scholarship with the help of Stanley White. Motherhood called, and Michele took a break to welcome her son Devin and later, her daughter Renée.
Super Mom
Her journey through parenthood was a mission to ensure her children embraced their passions, irrespective of societal judgments. For over a decade, from 2001 to 2014, Michele’s creative and athletic pursuits took a backseat. But in 2014, the rekindling began with a return to tennis, and soon she was winning tournaments again. She joined The Vicious Vollies, a team that embraced her talent and passion, eventually earning her the head captain position. March 2021 brought the world to a standstill with COVID-19, but for Michele, it brought a series of personal challenges. Her father’s passing and a devastating apartment fire could have extinguished her spirit, but instead, they reignited her creativity. A YouTube tutorial on drawing cute faces led her down a rabbit hole of artistic rediscovery. Posting her creations on social media, she was met with an outpouring of support, leading her to embrace her artistic talents once more. Michele’s journey is a testament to resilience and the belief that creativity has no expiration date. Her children’s books, “Have you ever?” and “How kids should act in church,” are infused with her life’s lessons and her vibrant cultural pride. Michele’s motto, “Be and do whatever you choose, regardless of what others think about it,” is the backbone of her work and her life."
