A proud product of Portland's public school system, Michelle has deep roots in District 2, where she was raised, educated, and has raised her own children.

Michelle has spent her career breaking down barriers for her community. As the first-ever person of color to Chair the Portland school board, Michelle has addressed issues that affect students, teachers and families. She’s advocated for the inclusion of women and minority-owned businesses and seated a community and youth-centric climate commission. Her leadership extends to local citizen advisory boards addressing active transportation, city budgeting, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

Driven by the values of resilience, determination, and service instilled in her by her family; an immigrant father from Panama and her mother's family who migrated from New Orleans during the Great Migration, Michelle believes in the power of education as the ultimate equalizer. Her grandparents' journey taught her first-hand that hard work and education can break down barriers and open doors to opportunity.

Michelle's journey from working at age 12 to putting herself through college as a single parent exemplifies her commitment to education and empowerment. With degrees from Portland State University and the Bainbridge Graduate Institute, she has applied her expertise in housing policy, urban studies, community development, and environmental sustainability to address pressing issues facing Portland, including the root causes of the housing affordability crisis, climate adaptation, residential displacement, and the fentanyl crisis.

Michelle's decision to run for City Council reflects her determination to address the city's housing and drug crises with compassion and innovation. She aims to create a city where everyone regardless of race, income, identity or zip code can thrive, supporting development without displacement, nurturing small businesses, and ensuring access to essential services for all Portland residents.

With a focus on building an age-friendly framework to support Portland’s most vulnerable residents, and fostering equitable growth, Michelle is committed to making Portland a place where every resident can live, work, and thrive.