Michelle Flores first joined Xcelerate Women in August 2024 and now serves as our full-time Programs & Community Coordinator. Her role has evolved from supporting CRM and operational systems to helping steward programs and community work across the organization.

She brings nearly a decade of experience in retail operations and project management, with a focus on sustainability and economic equity, including leadership roles at The Renewal Workshop and TCHAI. A New Orleans native with Puerto Rican roots, Michelle has called Portland home for over a decade.

Below, Michelle shares more about her background and her work with Xcelerate Women.

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1. What inspires you about Xcelerate's work/mission?

I was drawn to Xcelerate’s work when I first learned about their mission through local boutiques I support. I am passionate about sustainability, especially in fashion, and feel an easy way to shop more mindfully is by supporting local businesses who support independent designers and artists. When people think of sustainability they often think about recycling, reuse, or hybrid cars, but profitability is also a key component. We have to help sustain the businesses we want to see thrive in our communities. Keeping my money within Portland’s small retail community, instead of in the hands of corporations and billionaires is something I felt Xcelerate and I aligned on. I have long term goals of starting my own small business and hope to one day use Xcelerate’s services to help me grow, but was excited to see the opportunity to work directly with their team and network of business owners directly.

2. How has your identity as a woman and any other intersectional identities impacted your career journey?

Being a woman has shaped my career in profound ways. Navigating spaces where women are often underrepresented has given me a strong sense of resilience and adaptability. It has also made me more aware of the importance of creating opportunities for other women and minorities to succeed. Coming from a Puerto Rican background has deepened my appreciation for diversity and intersectionality in business. It has also fueled my commitment to uplifting voices that are often unheard, and ensuring that the work I do is centered around inclusion and equity. Each part of my identity has given me unique perspectives and insights that I bring to my work every day.

3. If you could pick any super power, what would it be and why?

Whatever the antidote to sonder is, that would be my superpower. I think about the fact that as humans we can only do and know so much in our short lives. The idea that every choice leads to a whole new path leaves you wondering how much you miss out on. I’d love to dive into those alternate realities and get a sense of all the different experiences out there. It’s not just about living more—it’s about understanding the bigger picture and seeing the world through different lenses and perspectives. On a related note, I really loved the movie, Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.

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