Michelle serves as the Deputy Chief of Programs with Hispanic Access Foundation, overseeing strategic planning, program implementation, government contracts, budget management, and partnerships, while managing a staff of five professionals.

Michelle came to Hispanic Access as an intern, answering a national helpline for Spanish-speakers seeking community resources. Since then, she has held a variety of roles within the organization. She previously served as the Director of Finance Programs and managed one of Hispanic Access’ largest tax-education programs, implementing over 500 workshops in 18 cities across the U.S. Prior to that, she served as the Associate Director of Health Programs and led a national cancer education and screening program in several low-income Latino neighborhoods.

Michelle is committed to empowering and elevating the Latino community, specifically youth and young adults. Michelle is Bolivian American and originally from the D.C. metro area. She now lives in Denver due to her love of the mountains and the outdoors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from George Mason University.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

“I wanted to work for an organization that aligned with my passion to serve the Latino community.”

In her spare time…

“I love to travel internationally, hike all around Colorado, play volleyball, road trip with our pup, and dance salsa.”

Her favorite book…

“Lately it's been No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon by Erik Weihenmayer. It’s inspirational to read of Erik's passion for the outdoors and being a mountaineer. He shares about his journey of actually having no barriers when he wants to accomplish something.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. She's an authentic trailblazer who isn't scared to show up for her community.”