Michele Highberg
Michelle Highberg was raised in Larchmont, New York by a teacher and social worker.
Mom ushered Michelle into charitable work by volunteering in thrift shops from age 3.
By age 7, her dad taught her how to create a successful gala. At college, Michelle
fundraised for the Alumni Foundation for the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Upon
graduation, Michelle chose fashion for her career and worked as an assistant buyer in
New York City. Within 3 months, a dream job offer offered her both to live and work in
Laguna Beach, California where she currently resides.
In 2015, after years of fundraising as a volunteer, she entered the nonprofit sector to
Working Wardrobes as the Fearless Fundraiser Special Event Planner. Seeking more
knowledge on best practices and ethics, Michelle obtained her CFRE in 2017. In 2020,
Michelle partnered with Evelina Pentcheva to run Lido Paddle Project, a holistic
wellness nonprofit serving first responders and veterans. In 2022, Michelle and Evelina
co-pioneered a digital detox mental wellness nonprofit called Just Gather.
Addressing the academic and socio-emotional deficits faced by all students, Just Gather
is all about community inspired wellness, inter-generational mentorship, and a much-needed sense of purpose for those feeling lost. The arts, Nature and gratitude serve as bridges to inner peace.
Based on the evidence and transformation seen through Just Gather gratitude curriculum, the team welcomed The School of Gratitude, Orange County as the nonprofit social enterprise and a mental wellness solution for all.
Classes are offered in partnership with businesses.
As a founder, fundraiser, teacher, author, mom, and budding artist, Michelle strives to
live with gratitude, transparency, emotional intelligence and clarity. As a storyteller,
Michelle appreciates the power of the word. As a CFRE, she is well versed in all
fundraising modalities with strengths in major gifts, individuals, and donor affinity
groups.
A lifelong learner, Michelle is currently pursuing her neuroscience coaching credential
before aspiring to create a master’s in gratitude practices curriculum. Her books seek to
create more unity, mental wellness and emotional mastery. Michelle has three children
and is married to Erin, a musician, composer and entertainer. She loves to hike, swim,
beach, run, dance, ski, cook, play uno, scrabble, dream, pray, write silly poems, and feel
gratitude, daily.
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