Michelle Heard is the Senior Director of People and Culture for Deans for Impact. Prior to joining DFI, she worked to expand the reach and impact of microfinance initiatives at a national Australian nonprofit with a focus on supporting the financial wellbeing of women and families. After many moves, she now calls Austin, Texas home, where she currently lives with her husband and three young children.
Why did you start working in education?
After a number of years working at non-profits that were doing amazing work to encourage financial and social inclusion, I came to realize that inequitable access to quality education was at the heart of many of the systemic challenges we were working to overcome. It was this realization that motivated me to seek out an opportunity in the field of education.
What do you enjoy most about working at DFI?
The hearts my teammates bring to this work. The care I feel individually and that I see in the way my teammates approach our work makes me feel supported and inspired every week.
What's a principle, philosophy, or quote you live by, and why?
I believe in the inherent value of every human and the call to serve and love one another.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy exploring Austin with my family – the music, outdoor adventures, and delicious food.