About Michelle Raza

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Since 2017, Michelle has been dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and organizations grow through emotional intelligence, relationship-building, and leadership development. Her work is rooted in both research and real-life experience, blending evidence-based strategies with a deep understanding of personal and professional transformation.

 

With over 19 years in corporate and government sectors, Michelle has developed expertise in career coaching, team-building, process improvement, executive coaching, and leadership training. Her approach equips leaders with the tools they need to build resilient, high-performing teams, navigate change, and foster environments of psychological safety and accountability.

 

A Journey of Growth & Resilience

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Michelle’s personal and professional journey was far from conventional. Raised by a single mother with limited financial resources, she learned firsthand the power of determination and strategic problem-solving. Through hard work and academic excellence, she secured multiple scholarships and fellowships, earning three fully funded degrees in just six years:

• B.A. in Economics & International Affairs – Florida International University

• M.A. in International Affairs – The George Washington University

 

Her early career in public service included a role at the U.S. Department of State, followed by impactful work at the World Health Organization, where she balanced international policy work with caregiving for her mother, who was battling Alzheimer’s.

 

A move back to San Antonio shifted her trajectory into federal project management at Accenture Federal Services, where she led large-scale teams, drove operational efficiency, and developed leaders within the organization. During this time, she also served on the Board of Governors for the Alzheimer’s Association (2017–2019), advocating for awareness and policy change.

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A Mission Born from Experience

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Despite career success, by 2016, Michelle faced personal burnout. A toxic relationship, a failing work-life balance, and emotional exhaustion forced her to rebuild from the ground up. Seeking knowledge, she immersed herself in the works of Dr. Lindsay Gibson, Dr. John Gottman, and Melody Beattie, alongside therapy, personal development, and Nar-Anon support groups.

 

Through strategic mindset shifts, boundary setting, and leadership coaching techniques, Michelle transformed her own life:
✅ Lost 60 pounds and reclaimed her health
✅ Restored her personal relationships, including her marriage
✅ Built a strong emotional intelligence framework to navigate personal and professional challenges
✅ Turned her experiences into a leadership development and coaching practice, guiding others toward self-awareness, resilience, and impactful leadership

 

Bringing Leadership Development to the Forefront

 

Michelle now works with individuals, teams, and organizations to develop:

• Emotionally intelligent leaders who foster trust and collaboration

• High-performing teams that excel under pressure

• Executives and professionals navigating career transitions

• Organizations prioritizing mental well-being and performance

 

In addition to one-on-one coaching, corporate training, and keynote speaking, Michelle is committed to outreach and education, frequently working with non-profits and offering pro bono speaking engagements to reach those who need it most.

 

Her mission is simple but powerful: to help individuals and teams unlock their full potential—one mindset shift, one intentional action at a time.

 

📩 Contact Michelle: michelle.raza@findingyourselfsatx.com