Michelle's Resume

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On May 12th, 2009, at the age of 31 years-old, Michelle became the first woman elected as MLA in Nelson-Creston. Along with her role as Deputy Opposition Critic for Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, she chairs the NDP Oppsotion Women's Cacus and sits on the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.

As a member of the Official Opposition shadow cabinet, Michelle will hold the Campbell government accountable for its promises and provide positive alternatives to help British Columbians. Integral to the NDP’s positive vision for the future is protecting our environment, improving vital social services and good economic planning.

In 2002, Michelle set the record for the youngest person ever elected to Nelson City Council. While on Nelson City Council, she put her energy towards boosting environmental sustainability, economic development and the arts.

Her university studies and her career in community development have allowed Michelle to champion social justice and financial security both in her community and internationally. Eventually, her experience brought her to Zambia, where she worked to better the lives of girls with HIV/AIDS. As a passionate speaker, Michelle continues to be a strong voice for the Kootenays.

Michelle's Highlights

Nelson City Councillor, 2002-2005.
Helped to build coalitions and collaboration for community planning.
Community Coordinator, Nelson Committee on Homelessness and a tireless advocate for affordable housing.
Managed local food security and micro-finance non-profit organizations.
Director, Recycling Council of BC Board, 2004-2005.
A strong voice for public services.
BA Honours in Political Science.
MA in Human Security and Peacebuilding.
2008 Recipeint of the National Social Sciences Humanities Research Council Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Bilingual in English and French.

Michelle and her partner Zak reside in their Nelson home. They enjoy skiing, hiking, local arts and being active in the region.

Professional Experience

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2005 to 2006, February 2008 to Present
Community Coordinator, Nelson Committee on Homelessness, Nelson BC
Work with the community to develop capacity for addressing the housing and service needs of people living in poverty.

October 2007 to July 2008
Coordinator, Circle of Habondia Lending Society, Nelson BC
Coordinate activities for the West Kootenay women’s micro-finance organization and develop financial education programs for women

July 2007 to October 2007
Rural Youth Employment Facilitator, Nelson and District Youth Employment Resources Center, Nelson BC
Provide employment services to youth in Crescent Valley, Slocan, Salmo and Kaslo

August 2006 to February 2007
National Programmes Assistant, YWCA Zambia National Office, Lusaka Zambia
Seven-month internship with one of Zambia’s oldest national women’s organizations.

December 2002 to December 2005
City Councillor, The Corporation of the City of Nelson, Nelson BC
Following a lifetime passion for responsible leadership and participatory policy-making, I was successfully elected as the youngest ever City Councillor in Nelson.

July 2003 to July 2005
Nelson Food Cupboard Coordinator, Nelson Food Coalition, Nelson BC
Coordinate food distribution services for West Kootenay families and individuals living in poverty

May 2001 to September 2001
Program Assistant, Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations, Edmonton AB
Conduct a provincial research project on youth's perspectives about race, ethnicity and human rights.
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Educational Achievements

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Master of Arts in Human Security and Peacebuilding
Royal Roads University, Currently Enrolled

Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship--Master's
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, 2008

Inter-Cultural Communications
Centre for Intercultural Learning, Canadian Foreign Service Institute, July 2006

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Political Science University of Alberta, Edmonton Alberta, May 2001

Alberta Rutherford Scholarship, September 1996

Bilingual in French and English, Life-long
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