Be Strong International’s CEO & Chief Heart Officer Wins 2022’s Outstanding Non-Profit Leader Award
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Honors Michelle Shirley
Miami, FL, May 3, 2022 – The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce presented Be Strong International’s CEO and Chief Heart Officer, Michelle Shirley, with the 2022 Outstanding Non-Profit Leader Award during the Businesswomen of the Year Awards presented by Equitable Advisors. This award is now the latest accolade to Be Strong International’s growing list of recognitions and awards, with others being “Outstanding Non-Profit Organization of the Year” in 2020, and 7th ranked in “Best Places To Work At In South Florida”, among others.
The Chamber selected Michelle Shirley for her hard work and dedication to Be Strong International for the past 10 years. From having the honor to take over the organization from founder, Ms. Althea McMillan, to persevering during the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping the doors open with relevant and sustainable services for individuals and families who desperately needed the help; Michelle Shirley has been a fundamental key figure to Be Strong International’s success.
“Leadership can be lonely and just plain hard. Leading a small army of passionate people isn’t something I asked for. I declined before I decided to surrender my doubts, fears, and anxieties and run into the mess!”, said Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer. “What a glorious mess it was! Serving others is something I just love doing! Then, to be recognized for it just makes me teary-eyed.”
“What a humble honor for me. I’ve never been here before and while I do not like the spotlight, I appreciate it. I am so humbly thankful that someone submitted my name for such a worthy honor. What this award means for Be Strong International is increased awareness about what we do as we change the lives of youth, parents, families, and married couples!”.
Over the past 30 years, Be Strong International has served over 230,000 youth and families in South Florida and under Michelle’s lead, the organization aims to increase its capacity to meet the needs of those who look for help in times of brokenness, seeking to become whole.
Every year the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce shines a spotlight of recognition upon outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals. The Businesswomen of the Year Award honors the excellent work of businesswomen throughout South Florida for their business achievements, corporate leadership, and philanthropy, among others.
For more information and updates, follow Be Strong International on social media @bestrongintl or through their website: https://bestrongintl.org
For donations, visit https://bit.ly/3v6EpM6.
To arrange an interview, contact Monika Sanchez at monika@bestrongintl.org or Nathalia Tasama at nathalia@bestrongintl.org
