As the CED Program Coordinator, Michelle leverages her personal journey as a former LEAF Scholar and peer mentor to guide first-generation and BIPOC students through higher education and beyond. Having experienced firsthand the transformative impact of community-based support, Michelle returned to the organization dedicated to empowering students to navigate academic spaces and bridge their achievements with meaningful career paths.

Michelle is a proud first-generation college graduate from UC Santa Barbara, where she earned double B.A. degrees in Political Science and Sociology. Her background includes serving as a peer mentor for first- and second-year students through both LEAF and UCSB’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), experiences that solidified her commitment to educational equity. At CED, Michelle is excited to connect students with impactful career opportunities and equip them with the tools and confidence to thrive in their professional aspirations.