About Michelle

I am a Latina leader on a mission to support people to become holistic leaders who create systems, relationships, and futures where everyone thrives.

Raised in the tapestry of Mexican and Venezuelan cultures in the Central Valley of California, I spent evenings and weekends eating arepas and watching telenovelas at my grandmother’s house.

For years, I grappled with an academic existence that felt separate from the rich culture of my home and community. I started at an English-only, majority-white school with Spanish as my first language, and began the process of assimilation by rejecting the language of my ancestors.

I survived by being an excellent student. I devoured books and was often one of the only Latinas in AP and honors classes. I had given up so much of myself to become a “successful” person.

It wasn’t until college that I began studying the power of multiculturalism and the people of color who paved the way for me, unravel the layers of cultural conditioning, and start reclaiming who I truly was.

I spent 15 years in K-12 education, first as a bilingual teacher, then making my way to high school principal. I was supported by an abundance of Latina colleagues and mentors who often saw in me what I was not ready to see for myself.

But despite climbing the traditional ladder of success, I found myself grappling with burnout. The plan was to become a superintendent, but I realized it wasn’t my dream. So instead, I stepped away from the path that was expected of me and took a 6-month sabbatical.

I focused on rest and how I wanted to reemerge.

I reflected on what kept me in education for so long.

I wrote a dream job description with no title, clear on what I needed to thrive in my professional and personal life.

I felt confident about it, but one night I had a call from a headhunter who told me to give up and settle for less. But I held on to my dreams, continued trusting in myself, my community, and my purpose.

And before the 6 months were over, I secured a position as an executive at a non-profit, opening a branch in the exact city I wanted to move to, and making the money I wanted. I proved that headhunter wrong.

I emerged from my sabbatical living the life I dreamed about. My dream got bigger and my service to others continued to grow, so in 2020, I took another leap by evolving my purpose into a coaching business.

I hope to partner with you to help you find value in your strengths, grow your confidence, and reconnect with what they have been taught to bury inside of them.

Welcome to a community moving from Surviving Chingonas to Thriving Chingonas.

What People Are Saying

“ It’s so easy to talk with her and share intimate details of my life.”

— Keyla Da Silva | Houston, TX

“She lifted me with encouraging words and trusted my leadership skills.”

— Beatriz Gutierrez | Woodland, CA

“My two favorite things about working with Michelle is she always listens and grounds her response with wisdom.”

— Marcela Andrés | Austin, TX

“She takes the time to understand your background and perspective, and works with you to understand how your challenges or barriers are lessons and opportunities for growth.”

— Janalynn Castillo | Bakersfield, CA

I have learned to be my authentic self in various contexts. Partnering with me is a conscious choice to explore your potential, amplify your voice, lead with confidence, and evolve your full self in all aspects of your life.

Reach Out.

Let’s find time to get to know one another and see how we can work to make your dreams a reality.