Meet Michelle (she/her/hers)
I work at the intersection of leadership, culture, and community, helping organizations build people-centered strategies that deepen connection, strengthen relevance, and drive long-term growth. I currently serve as the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives & Social Impact for the Portland Trail Blazers, where I lead efforts focused on organizational culture, community engagement, impact marketing, strategic partnerships, and initiatives that connect business objectives with meaningful social impact.
Born in Canada to a Jamaican and Indian family and raised between Toronto and South Florida, my perspective has always been shaped by multiculturalism, curiosity, and connection. That foundation influences everything I do. It informs how I help organizations build stronger cultures, deepen community relationships, and create meaningful strategies rooted in authenticity, trust, and cultural understanding.
I hold a B.A. in Public Relations and an M.S. in College Student Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. As a Certified Trauma Support Specialist, I also completed New York University's Post-Master's Certification in Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice. My work continues to be informed by cultural intelligence, inclusive leadership, organizational culture, and the study of intergenerational trauma and human connection.
I believe organizations are at their best when more voices help shape the direction. By creating equitable practices, fostering inclusive environments, and celebrating diverse perspectives, organizations can strengthen culture, deepen community trust, expand audience engagement, and create more meaningful impact for the people they serve.
Over the past decade, I have partnered with organizations across professional sports, higher education, nonprofit leadership, and consulting to strengthen leadership practices, develop community-centered initiatives, build strategic partnerships, and design culturally relevant experiences that foster connection, loyalty, and long-term engagement.
Beyond my professional work, I serve on the UNCF Pacific Northwest Leadership Council, Travel Portland's Multicultural Tourism Advisory Council, the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Yakama Nation, and the Board of TASTE for Equity. Through these roles, I support efforts focused on education access, cultural engagement, equitable opportunity, and community empowerment.
Outside of work, you can usually find me embracing my full-time dog mom role, trying new recipes from Instagram, or watching NBA and NHL games.
CREDENTIALS + CERTIFICATIONS
Post Master’s Trauma-informed Clinical Practice Certification New York University
M.S College Student Affairs; Concentration in Conflict Analysis & Resolution Nova Southeastern University
B.A Public Relations; MUMA College of Business Certification University of South Florida
Gender and Sexuality, Diversity in the Workplace Certification University of Pittsburgh
Leading for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Higher Education Certification University of Michigan
Hospitality and Tourism Management Certification Florida Atlantic University
A Human-Centered Approach
My work is grounded in the understanding that people experience organizations, leadership, and community differently based on identity, lived experience, and systems that shape opportunity and belonging.
Through a trauma-informed and intersectional lens, I help organizations navigate culture, communication, and engagement with greater empathy, awareness, and intentionality. This approach honors the complexity of human experience and creates space for more thoughtful leadership, stronger teams, and environments where people feel genuinely valued.
Principles That Guide The Work
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Meaningful relationships and long-term trust are built through honesty, accountability, transparency, and care.
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Thoughtful leadership and meaningful impact begin by honoring diverse perspectives, fostering belonging, and creating space for voices that have historically been overlooked or underserved.
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Culturally relevant storytelling, experiences, and engagement create stronger organizations, deepen audience connection, and build lasting community trust.
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Organizations do their best work when business goals and community impact are approached with equal intention. Thoughtful engagement, cultural relevance, and authentic connection strengthen trust, expand audiences, and support long-term growth.
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Creating equitable pathways, challenging systemic barriers, and investing intentionally in communities and businesses historically excluded from opportunities are essential to sustainable growth and meaningful change.
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Joy, creativity, humor, and celebration are essential parts of connection, healing, and community. The work is important, but so is laughter, grace in mistakes, dance breaks, honest conversation, and creating spaces where people can show up as full human beings.
What People Are Saying
“As a public health professional, I have consulted Michelle in order to be sure that I am taking all angles into consideration when bringing health promotion to different populations. Her ability to hear, understand, and stay objective in order to provide support on how to engage diverse clients in a digestible and practical way, is why she will always be my first choice in consulting.”
- Functional Health and Wellness Professional, South Carolina
“Through her tireless commitment of creating affirming and nurturing spaces, Michelle Jalali possesses the quintessential traits of a strategic leader. It has not been uncommon to witness her gathering perspectives in a room, and weaving them together for progressive and grounding dialogue.”
— Inaugural Pan-African Collegiate Scholars Program Representative, California State University, San Bernardino
“When working with fraternity and sorority life leaders at a nation-wide institute, Michelle was able to connect inclusive practices to the current Greek experience. The students absolutely loved her charisma and humor and were deeply impacted by her understanding of their own lived experiences. Michelle supplied a holistic assessment and evaluation for our team.”
— North American Interfraternity Council Representative, Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute
“As soon as I met Michelle Jalali, I knew I wanted to work with her. She's thoughtful, empathetic, and dedicated to helping others become their best selves. It has been a joy to partner with her on creating new, worthwhile services and I look forward to more collaborations together in the future.”
- CEO, Altared
My work focuses on helping organizations navigate culture, communication, and community engagement in ways that strengthen connection, deepen trust, and support long-term growth. By bridging lived experience with organizational strategy, I help translate values into meaningful action.
Let’s Chat.
Interested in learning more?