Michelle Otero – Southwestern US

Michelle Otero is a writer, community-based artist and coach who utilizes creative expression and storytelling as the basis for organizational development and positive social change. Her process of engaging individuals and communities through the expression of shared story has  a wide range of applications—from helping environmental organizations to assisting people in healing from trauma.

As a Fulbright Fellow, Michelle’s resultant essay collection, Malinche’s Daughter, is based on her work with women survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Oaxaca, Mexico. She has engaged with fellow artists and local farmers in her hometown of Albuquerque to implement the Community Table Project, which combines art,  agriculture and economic development as a platform for neighborhood revitalization. Michelle holds a BA in History from Harvard University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College.