Adversity Expert. Motivational Speaker. Author.

From Crutches To Courage

A Journey of Resilience and Perseverance, Inspiring Personal Stories on Overcoming Adversity

Prologue

At age 11, Michelle was permanently disabled in a car accident that froze her growth at 4’ 4” and left her needing crutches to walk. 

By her own admission, she wasn’t just physically small – she used to live her life emotionally small. The hardest part of living with a visible disability was the shame and unworthiness she carried in her heart and mind.

So she embarked on what began as just a physical fitness journey – and evolved into a life-transformation journey when she decided to join her gym mates in their quest to climb Machu Picchu in Peru.  

She hiked up the 26 miles of ascending trail 8-10 hours a day. She had to bandage her wrists so they wouldn’t break as they took a load of her body weight with every step on her crutches.

She ultimately ascended the peak … crawling on her hands and knees at the end, to the cheers of those in her party who had been strangers at the outset of the journey.

When she came home, she was changed forever.

Looking to dazzle your audience with resilience and flair?

The Page Turner

There I was, the first day on The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu…

I found myself amongst a diverse group of individuals from around the globe, all converging at the trailhead, ready to kick off our four-day journey to Machu Picchu.

Shortness of breath? Check. 

Dehydration? Probably. 

Risks? Definitely.

Standing at an elevation of 3,000 feet, but my target -  a breath-stealing 14,000 feet summit.

A backpack onto my shoulders - 15 lbs that felt like an overfed bulldog at that height.

26 miles of rugged, unpaved trails.

40,000 stone stairs I had to ascend.

PLUS….my 2 pink crutches lead me to the sacred valley of Machu Picchu, perched 14,000 feet high.

At a mere 4 feet 4 inches tall and relying on crutches for mobility, let's just say that the hike to Machu Picchu didn't seem to have me in mind.

There were 5 things that I’ve learned on this journey to Machu Picchu.

Choice
Commitment
Courage
Capability
Confidence

These are the pillars of Perseverance and Resilience in Life and In Business.

  • “Her effervescent inspiration is contagious.”

    Michelle radiates joy and dispenses wisdom. She captivates audiences with personal stories and actionable takeaways about transforming setbacks into victories, challenges into opportunities, and doubts into hope.

    — GARY SCHNEEBERGER, PRESIDENT & CHIEF LEONINE OFFICER

  • "Michelle is a firecracker!"

    Such a love-for-life, spirited young woman. You can't help to smile when you are talking to her.

    She has an energy to make any podcast an enjoyable one. My guests still comment on her episode. Michelle came to me as a guest and has become someone I am proud to call my friend.

    I would recommend Michelle to any podcaster. You will not be disappointed.

    — John Butler, The Butler's Babble Podcast

  • “GIFTED and TALENTED.”

    “The outcome of these speaking engagements has been phenomenal. She is both inspirational and impactful.

    She shares her story of determination, bravery, and perseverance and becomes instrumental in helping people bounce back on their feet and shift their mindset, resulting in sustainable results. Her successful track record has been impressive.”

    — Eve Cortes, Sr. HR Director & Certified Empowerment Life and Executive Coach

Women Empowerment
Business & Marketing 
Leadership & Teambuilding

Industry Types:

Audience Includes:

Northrop Grumman, Palmdale “Your Voice”
UNIFESTIGO, AIESEC in IIT Kharagpur, India
The Wealthy Health Biz Summit 
14th Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference
Women | Future Conference
3rd Global Conference on Women's Studies - Rotterdam, Netherlands
Create & Cultivate
The NCJW/Essex Center for Women
The Second Samoan Congregation Church of Long Beach
Women’s Entrepreneur Workshop - 50/50 Leadership

Speaking Topics:

Motivational: 

  • From Crutches To Courage: The Journey of a Thousand Miles

  • Growth Mindset of a Resilient Leader: 5 Pillars of Confidence Leadership 

  • Adaptitutitis: Do You Have It?

Marketing: 

  • Brand Positioning: How to build trust, and authority and attract your dream clients

  • How to stand out and grow your business with the power of storytelling 

  • The Power of Storytelling in Marketing: Turning your words into paying clients

"A walking, breathing reminder of what's possible."

Michelle is inspirational in every sense of the word. She shared her journey with my audience in such a positive, compelling way that we came away with as much respect for her resiliency as her positivity. Michelle is a walking, breathing reminder of what's possible when we're willing to look beyond our limitations to see the magnificent potential that resides in each of us. Having Michelle as a speaker will surely shift any audience's belief in what is truly possible for them.

— Rosanna Gill, Breaking Labels Podcast

Past Speaking Clients