GPECC STAFF

Michele White, MSW
Executive Director

Michele joined the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce as their Executive Director in July of 2023. Before assuming her current role, Michele worked with other LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce to help them increase their funding, implement new systems and expand their services. Prior to her chamber work, she owned her own businesses and managed nonprofit organizations ranging from the arts to mental health services.

Michele uses her 25+ years of experience in nonprofit management and business ownership to support organizations and businesses in their growth and stability. Her wealth of varied experience includes training clients to advocate for themselves at the legislature, strategic planning and board development, fundraising, business operations and growth, staff and volunteer management, community organizing and systems creation.

She loves to promote community through education and has instructed in the Master of Social Work program at Arizona State University (ASU) in advocacy and community organizing. She earned a master’s degree in social work (Policy Administration and Community Organizing) and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from ASU.

Michele is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ business growth and development to help promote a strong LGBTQ+ community in Greater Phoenix. She is also dedicated to collaboration and community building through strong relationships with other community organizations.

Michele is a third generation Phoenix native and is excited to help strengthen and support the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in Phoenix. She lives in central Phoenix with her wife, Trista, and loves singing, dancing, cooking and hiking. 

Fun fact: Michele has a deep understanding of small business in Phoenix. Her great-grandparents owned a restaurant in the Sears “mansion” on Central in the 40’s and 50’s, her grandparents owned a lock shop on 7th Street through the 70’s and she grew up helping in her parent’s locksmith then catering businesses. Michele has also owned businesses in central Phoenix, including Fair Trade Cafe from 2007-2013.