Staff: Michelle Monroe

Michelle is a Houston native and Iowa State University alum who believes in the power of supportive systems to create lasting generational change. She began her career in education, where experiences with students, teachers, and partners underscored the importance of investing in young people and the communities around them. Opportunities to step into nonprofit leadership roles shaped her development approach and deepened her commitment to mission-driven work.

Michelle holds a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University. Before coming to Friends of the Children, she most recently served as Director of Development at Breakthrough Central Texas.

Outside of work, Michelle is happiest visiting libraries, food trucks, and parks in the area with family, and relaxing on the porch in the evenings and on weekends.