Michelle began her career in International Student and Scholar Services as the SEVIS Coordinator at CU-Boulder. She later transferred to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, where she worked with students and scholars. Following the Downtown Denver and Anschutz Medical campuses merger, Michelle served as the Assistant Director of International Scholar Services. After attending law school, she returned to the University of Colorado Denver as an International Scholar Advisor.

Her professional background includes work in the areas of international business, regulatory compliance, and government affairs. Michelle studied abroad in Spain and France and has traveled extensively throughout the world. She earned a B.A. in International Relations & Spanish from Mankato State University, an M.A. in International Economic Policy from The American University, and a J.D. from the University of Denver.