About the author

School of Gratitude

<p></p><p><strong>Bio:</strong></p><p></p><p>Michelle Highberg was raised in Larchmont, New York by a teacher and social worker. Mom ushered Michelle into charitable work by volunteering in thrift shops from age 3. By age 7, Michelle's dad taught her how to throw a successful gala at the Waldorf Astoria.  In Madison, she fundraised for the Alumni Foundation.  Upon graduation, Michelle decided to make fashion her career and was offered a buying role in New York City.  Within 3 months, a dream job offer called her to both live and work in Laguna Beach, California.</p><p></p><p>Corporate fashion, international travel, business development, project management, sales, and design fueled her career in fashion.  As a volunteer she continued to support causes.</p><p></p><p>In 2015, seeking a new challenge, Michelle took her recently acquired skills officially to the nonprofit sector to Working Wardrobes. Her title:  Fearless Fundraiser &amp; Special Event Planner.</p><p></p><p>Seeking more knowledge on best practices and ethics, Michelle obtained her CFRE in 2017. In 2020, Michelle partnered with Evelina Pentcheva to run Lido Paddle Project, a holistic wellness nonprofit serving first responders and veterans.  In 2022, Michelle and Evelina co-pioneered a digital detox mental wellness nonprofit called Just Gather.</p><p></p><p>Addressing the academic and socio-emotional deficits faced by all students, Just Gather is all about community inspired wellness, inter-generational mentorship, and a much-needed sense of purpose for those feeling lost.</p><p></p><p>The arts, Nature and gratitude serve as bridges to inner peace.</p><p>As a founder, fundraiser, teacher, author, mom, and budding artist, Michelle works from a lens of gratitude.  In life and business, her authentic relationships are stewarded with transparency, emotional intelligence and clarity.  As a storyteller, Michelle appreciates the power of the word.  As a CFRE, she is well versed in all fundraising modalities with strengths in major gifts, individuals, and donor affinity groups.</p><p>A lifelong learner, Michelle is pursuing her master's in teaching with aspirations to create a master's in gratitude practices curriculum.  As well, Michelle is writing books to advocate for mental wellness, self-empowerment,  gratitude practices, and the safety of all children.</p>