Chronicle

Her journey, defined by visionary leadership and an enduring sense of community responsibility, has produced significant contributions across two vital spheres: the arts and, more recently, the urgent field of wildfire management.

A spirit of leadership was fostered from her high school days at Havergal. She pursued Political Science at the University of Toronto, laying a rigorous intellectual foundation for a career driven by curiosity, critical inquiry and a resolve to effect meaningful change. In 2018, she completed a Fellowship in Global Journalism at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, deepening her capacity to communicate ideas to broad and diverse audiences.

Michelle’s early and enduring passion was for the arts. Over a 35-year career, she held roles at TIFF, TVO and Rogers Broadcasting, sharpening her strategic and marketing expertise. As Director of Marketing at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), she implemented innovative, inclusive strategies to develop new audiences and drive attendance — rooted in her belief in art’s power to educate, inspire and unite diverse communities. Michelle’s commitment to cultural advocacy is reflected in long-standing board positions at Canada’s National Ballet School, the Art Canada Institute, the AGO and her role as Vice-Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation. She is the founding Chair of the AGO’s Women’s Art Initiative, which champions the visibility and legacy of women artists at the AGO and within Canada’s cultural landscape.

A pivotal turning point came through a question from her eldest daughter: “What are you doing for the environment?” This personal challenge ignited a profound shift in Michelle. That shift gained momentum when Michelle heard Dr. Lori Daniels — Canada’s leading fire scientist — on the CBC, discussing Indigenous-led stewardship and science-based approaches to wildfire resilience. Compelled by the urgency of the issue, Michelle sought out Dr. Daniels at the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC). That meeting was catalytic.

In 2023, Michelle became a co-founder of the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence at UBC, working closely with the Forestry Department to secure vital funding and rapidly scale the centre’s national impact. For Michelle, Canada’s wildfire emergency is a critical national issue, an urgent call to action driving her relentless efforts to develop a co-ordinated federal fire strategy and budget.