Michelle is a native New Yorker born and raised in Queens. A first gen college student of Spanish and Puerto Rican descent, Michelle graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1999 with a degree in Hispanic Studies. Upon graduation she moved to Austin, TX to work for the National Hispanic Institute. In 2001 she moved back to New York and began her career in Hospitality at the Harrison Conference Center in Glen Cove, NY, now the Glen Cove Mansion as a Conference Planning Manager. She made her way up to Director of Conference Services and in 2015 moved on from her role in order to and launched her own consulting business, NY Nena Productions LLC.  Michelle traveled the country delivering training focusing on luxury customer experience and hospitality. After 5 years on the road Michelle joined the Events Management Department at Hofstra University where for 3 years she worked on student programming and campuswide events. Missing her corporate event and Queens roots, in 2023 Michelle joined the team at Resorts World NYC and the Hyatt Regency JFK as the Director of Special Events and Catering Sales where she has enjoyed a most fulfilling 2 years. In her current role Michelle supports all property events including casino, community development, corporate and social events.

Michelle is passionate about her community, mentorship and volunteerism. She has been a Trustee of the National Hispanic Institute since 2013. The National Hispanic Institute is an organization whose mission is to create experiences that engage high achieving high school and college age youth in community leadership roles that advance their quality of life. An alum of their leadership programs, Michelle has been a part of the organization for over 30 years receiving their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011. She has also been a Sophomore Career Connections Mentor at Vassar College, and a First Gen and Gold Leadership Academy Mentor at Hofstra University. She continues to serve her alma mater, Vassar College in numerous capacities, most recently as Reunion Chairperson for her 25th college reunion as well as a member of the Board of Trustees Alumni Engagement Committee. She is grateful to be able to support her community through various activities with Vassar Serves as well as through City Meals on Wheels. Most recently she was honored to speak to students at her high school, Cathedral High School in Manhattan as a part of their Women’s Career Panel. Her commitment to her community has led her to sign up to box in the Long Island Fight for Charity in November with the goal of raising funds for Long Island charities to support those in need in our local community.

While very proud of her accomplishments, Michelle is most proud of being a mom to her son Damian, a sophomore at Chaminade High School.  Damian is an Honor Roll student, member of the Varsity Bowling team, Business Club, Latin Club, Social Studies Club and Science Olympiad Team and will be attending his first leadership program with the National Hispanic Institute this summer following in his mom’s footsteps. In her free time Michelle can be found cheering on the sidelines at Damian’s bowling games or on road trips with him exploring colleges.