Executive Director for UZIMA! Drum and Dance / Client Impact and Engagement Officer, One Word at a Time

The daughter of the late Chicago jazz musician Franz Jackson, Michelle grew up around music and the performing arts. Her parents emphasized the importance of art appreciation in all forms and provided a fertile environment for their children to experience a variety of artistic experiences. Michelle trained in ballet and jazz dance and has performed in various productions throughout the Michiana area as a dancer and actress. After a 20-year break from dancing, she discovered her dance family in UZIMA! in 2018 at age 50. As UZIMA!'s Executive Director, she brings extensive experience in organization, communication, customer service, and booking management. Being a member of UZIMA! has literally changed her life. She has a fervent belief in the company's mission and potential to make a positive and lasting change in our community and beyond through the art of dance and is resolute in steering the organization forward.

In her role as Client Impact and Engagement Officer, Michelle Jewell manages communications, internal processes and operations for literacy non-profit One Word at a Time which focuses on engaging and expanding middle school students’ interest in reading. Michelle also continues to serve as assistant to best-selling poet and author Kwame Alexander, who is also the founder of One Word at a Time.