Michele Erazo
Assistant Executive Director of Finance, Compliance, and Human Resources
Michele has spent her career working in the non-profit field and brings extensive experience in program operations, fiscal management, and organizational development. For most of her professional career, Michele was employed at Rising Ground, Inc. (formerly known as Leake and Watts Services). There she spent 25 years developing and managing federal and city-funded programs that supported the foster care population. She then transitioned to the Finance Department, where she managed city contracts and foundation grants, worked closely with funding entities, and educated program and fiscal staff on how fiscal functions can best support program operations.
Michele is a New York City native, raised in Brooklyn. She grew up in NYCHA housing, where she was exposed to various ethnic backgrounds and began to develop her curiosity about cultures beyond her Latina roots. In her life and work experience, she has seen the value of bringing together different perspectives, finding common ground, and implementing effective collaboration. She enthusiastically embraces teamwork and the concept of building upon the strengths of the staff, the people served, and the organization as a whole.
Michele earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Yale University. During her studies, she developed an attention to detail, which is evident in everything from her editing skills to fiscal analysis to contract compliance.
Among her most treasured values are respect, accountability, and flexibility. She is known for her dedication to her work and willingness to learn. Michele is eager to share these values and qualities at MMCC to help identify needs and build stronger communities.