I never know where to start when it comes to telling people “about me,” being the multidimensional woman that I am.

 

There’s this bubbly and sweet, always striving to be politically correct, Jasmine. And then there's the spicy, never missing an opportunity for a witty comeback, side of me that can take you by surprise due to my extremely direct delivery. That's Michelle! To know me is to love them both because they're both rooted in good character and solid roots. So let's get into it! First and foremost, I’m a PROUD native of Dallas Texas and always wanted a grassroots movement right here in the very city that taught me some of my most meaningful lessons and helped me evolve from a young, naïve, shy girl to the bold, confident, and VERY VOCAL woman I’ve become today.

 

Growing up, I wanted to be a journalist with a minor in fashion but somehow landed in a classroom with tiny hands reaching for me and vying for my constant attention and affection 8 hours a day. I loved the hugs and singalongs, but fulfillment was missing in the four walls of those classrooms. I craved to drive change in the community I lived, loved, and felt inspired to lead. Upon trading my less than flattering teacher flats for power pumps I've spent the past decade in various roles at numerous nonprofits, lending my efforts to motivating missions until I decided to create my own.

 

Yet, I do not take away from the influence and impact every season had on me when I was still searching for who I was on the other side of every expired assignment. I've been able to add to my personal and professional toolkit in ways that advanced me up my career ladder. And though I still keep a reserved seat in the student section for learning and growth, I’m confident and proud of the footsteps I’m leaving in my wake. From the congested hallways of DeSoto High School, the lively quad at Texas State in San Marcos, to the ebb and flow of a journey that hasn't always been so glamorous, I finally found purpose in the peaks and pain points. This platform will forever serve as a place of shared power, where we run our individual races, and still make it a priority to give others what they need to achieve their dreams.