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Michelle Rhone-Collins
CEO at LIFT, Inc
Professional Background
Michelle Rhone-Collins is a dedicated advocate for social equity and justice, with a proven track record of empowering disenfranchised communities. With a career spanning over two decades, Michelle has held several leadership positions, including her current role as Chief Executive Officer at LIFT, Inc., where she focuses on advancing diversity and power dynamics training.
Before her tenure at LIFT, Michelle served as the Executive Director of LIFT-LA, contributing significantly to community well-being initiatives. She also held key leadership roles in organizations dedicated to youth development and education, such as the Children's Nature Institute and New Vision Partners.
Her work has consistently centered around holistic community development, emphasizing the importance of youth leadership development, arts in education, and environmental justice. By prioritizing advocacy and empowerment over charity, Michelle has cultivated a visionary approach that promotes sustainable change and self-sufficiency in under-resourced communities.
Education and Achievements
Michelle's educational foundation is rooted in psychology, having completed her Bachelor of Arts at Duke University. She further honed her expertise in psychological counseling with both a Master of Arts and a Master of Education from the prestigious Teachers College of Columbia University. This comprehensive educational background equips her with vital skills to understand and address the unique challenges faced by the communities she serves.
Throughout her career, Michelle has developed and implemented innovative programs that are grounded in her education and core values. As the Youth Institute Director at New Vision Partners, she was instrumental in creating leadership opportunities that empowered young people, enriching their educational experiences and encouraging civic engagement. Furthermore, as Executive Director at Beacon Community Center and Program Director at University Settlement, she successfully led initiatives focused on youth empowerment, community engagement, and educational accessibility. Her leadership has sparked transformative programs that continue to uplift communities and foster collaboration.
Notable Achievements
Michelle Rhone-Collins's contributions have resulted in numerous accolades and recognition within her field. Her commitment to social justice and community development has made her a respected figure and a sought-for speaker on various platforms advocating for youth leadership and inclusive community design. Her work emphasizes the critical role of the arts in education as a means of expression and healing, especially for marginalized youth.
By harnessing the power of environmental education and advocating for justice, Michelle's efforts have enlightened the communities she serves while instilling a sense of responsibility toward their environments. Her projects have often highlighted the critical intersectionality of education, environmental stewardship, and social justice, creating a holistic development approach that is both inspiring and impactful.
Michelle continues to be a beacon of hope and a resource for many, pushing forward the agenda of systems change and equity in all her endeavors. Her extensive experience in diverse roles, coupled with her solid academic background, positions her as a leading voice in the discourse surrounding community development and youth empowerment.
