Michelle Carney

Director of Business Development

Michelle’s unshakable belief that all students have the potential for high achievement led her to a career in education. As a 2017 Teach for America corps member, she had joyful and rewarding years teaching Pre-Kindergarten in Houston, Texas. During this time, she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” for her commitment to building a positive classroom culture, grounded in equity. Through World Teach, Michelle taught 7th-grade English and led a leadership camp in Cape Town, South Africa. Later, as the Chief Strategy Officer at Almora Advisors, a philanthropic consulting firm, Michelle partnered with nonprofit organizations across multiple sectors to develop innovative strategies that led to a more equitable world.

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Business Economics and Poverty Studies from the University of Notre Dame. She also holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University, where she is now an Associate Instructor.

Michelle is an avid traveler and adventurer. She’s visited over 40 countries, jumped off the world’s highest bungee bridge, and reeled in a 125lb sailfish. She’s also committed to being a lifelong learner, so when she’s not traveling she can often be found reading thought-provoking books or practicing a new skill.