Michaela is a deeply curious, overthinking, heart-in-hand lover of people and history. Her background in collective impact organizing and commitment to advancing a world where everyone belongs has led her to serve in many community capacities focused on advancing individual and collective learning around diversity, equity and leadership. This includes her role as the director of community learning at Spokane County United Way and in her roles as an equity and leadership facilitator. Michaela holds a bachelor’s degree in history and leadership studies from Gonzaga University and a master’s in administrative and nonprofit leadership from Whitworth University. Her formal education combined with her passion for capacity building, identity development and community healing guides her career journey as she grows with and cheers on change-makers across the Northwest. 

As a multi-racial woman, Michaela finds power in the ability to hold the complexities of our interconnected lives. Michaela lives in Spokane, Washington and loves to spend time with her extended family across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, leaning on the truth of her grandmother's favorite saying, “we live in such a beautiful part of the world," Michaela loves to experience every bit of our region’s beauty! 

Reach out to Michaela if you have any questions about Philanthropy Northwest’s programs, especially rural and BIPOC programming.