What is your Action Network Origin Story? 

I went to work at the AFL CIO in 2016 and was introduced to Action Network and the tools through that. Then in 2021, I became the director of the Data Analytics and Infrastructure Resource (DAIR) and because of the deep partnership between the two organizations and with the DAIR department specifically, I was able to spend time with Brian and really learn about the goals and future of Action Network. I decided I wanted to become a chief of staff around 4 years ago after going through this great course called ‘Reimagining Your Career’ through the Yarbrough Group that challenged me to explore my career and future. At first, when Brian started talking about Action Network having a chief of staff, I was like that would be cool, good luck! But then as I started thinking about it more, really believing that Action Network is such a good organization doing important work and being a chief of staff was my goal, I decided I wanted to be Chief of Staff of Action Network. So I applied for it, went through a rigorous process, and got the position! It’s been almost 6 months since I joined the team and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my career.

What are you passionate about?–  I’m passionate about management. I think managing well means that staff can be successful, and I think the staff is the most important component in any organization. They are doing the work, going out there trying to make good things happen. If you manage them well, good things occur. You give them the support they need, you create a welcoming and good culture for them, and you help them grow through professional development. Then you let them go out and do great things and your organization will be successful. Trusting the staff and figuring out how to manage them well, what leadership tactics are helpful, and how to help them grow and upskill is so important. I just love management, it’s just so interesting to me – the theory, the concept, the application.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?–  Start where they are, not where you are. It was the earliest lesson I have ever learned in politics. I was a volunteer at the time on an environmental campaign and I apply it to everything I do. How I engage with people, how I think about relationships with my friends and my family, and how I go about the world. You never know what a person is carrying, what their background is, what their learning styles are, or how they like being managed. You don’t know any of those things unless you start where they are. Ultimately they are the ones that are the most important. If I start where you are I’ll learn about you, I’ll learn about how we are related to each other in terms of how we go about the world and do things, we can build comradery and we will work better together. Because I don’t assume that you are the same as I am, and we like the same things. It’s such a solid bit of advice, I think about it all the time. It has served me so well.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what/or where would you eat? The person coming to mind for me is Michelle Obama. She’s such a balanced person, in the way she approaches things. At least what we can see outwardly. I read Becoming and I feel like it would be such a wise conversation. In terms of what to eat, I feel like it would be healthy but good, like a watermelon feta salad, balsamic chicken with orzo, and a fruit salad for dessert. 

How would you describe what you do to your friends and family? 

Hmm, that seems like an easy question but it’s a bit complicated. I suppose I’d say I do a little bit of everything to help the organization run well. I help with strategic planning and setting goals, I manage DEI processes and plans, I help with staff management and other human resources tasks and I spend a lot of time thinking about organizational culture. Ultimately, I hope I’m being as supportive as possible to the staff so they can achieve the things they want and need to achieve.

A little bit more about Michelle-

She’s originally from New Mexico and she loves to travel. She’s a voracious reader. She’s also a foodie. Some of her favorite spots are Taqueria Habanero, Stellina Pizzeria, and Yellow. She has recently taken up photography and puzzles again.