Michaela is a passionate advocate for community support and engaging with people on a personal level.
In her role at Center for People, she combines strategy with powerful storytelling to build meaningful connections and drive impact. Her warmth and humor make every conversation engaging, and she believes strong relationships are at the heart of meaningful change. Michaela approaches her work with purpose, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to creating better opportunities for others.
“When I lived in Denver, Colorado, I worked at The Diamond Reserve, an amazing, small, female-owned business. There, I got to learn about the sparkling world of diamonds and gemstones, buying, selling, and even helping to craft stunning, one-of-a-kind engagement rings. One of the coolest things I was part of? Being on the team that designed an engagement ring for a cast member of 16 and Pregnant!”
“I wouldn’t say I have one specific song that inspires me, but I absolutely love listening to Taylor Swift! Her music just feels so relatable, and her playlist is my go-to for long drives, it always puts me in the best mood and makes the miles fly by.”
“One of my absolute favorite things is connecting with people through storytelling and conversation. There’s just something so special about sharing experiences and learning from others. If I could master any skill, it would definitely be the ability to speak several different languages fluently. Imagine being able to communicate with people from all over the world, hear their stories, and dive into their cultures firsthand! It would open up endless opportunities to build connections and make the world feel just a little bit smaller.”
“In 2019, I made the life-changing decision to take a leap and begin my journey toward sobriety. It was time to embrace a life of recovery and hope. That decision wasn’t easy, but it was the most important one I’ve ever made. During that first year, I learned countless lessons, many of which continue to guide me every single day. But if I had to choose the most powerful lesson, it’s this: you are never alone. There’s an incredible network of people out there, caring, compassionate, and ready to lift you up when you need it most.
One piece of advice that truly stuck with me (and that I’d love to pass along) is this: take it one step at a time. Recovery isn’t a race or a straight line; it’s a journey filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to lean on others for support. Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the path that brought me here and even more thankful for where it’s led me. If you’re considering taking that leap, know that hope is waiting for you, too—and you’re stronger than you realize.”
Email: mweverka@centerforpeople.org
