Michelle is a Co-Founder/Producer of BellyFire Productions LLC, she is in SE Asia (winter/spring) and NYC (summer/fall) creating compelling video content for social sector organizations and documentary style work focused on critical social issues. Previously, she worked as Program Manager at The Opportunity Network, designing and facilitating programs to enhance the professional and college success skills of under-resourced, high-achieving NYC students.
In Fall 2012, Michelle returned from working at NYU Abu Dhabi as a program coordinator and traveling extensively in the Middle East and surrounding regions. While completing her MPA in International Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service, Michelle consulted for The UN NGO Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security with her Capstone team and co-chaired The Wagner Women’s Caucus.
At NYU, Michelle majored in journalism and religious studies as her interests in international women’s issues grew. She developed a political leadership initiative for women in the Tibetan exile community in India, worked with Arab women in Israel on financial empowerment projects, and produced a short multimedia documentary for Women for Afghan Women in Queens. She has also enjoyed her opportunities to work with youth, coordinating the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program and our Global Youth Leadership Institute programming!