Board Spotlight: Michelle Wright
Introducing, Michelle Wright
Meet Michelle, Market Vice President at Gresham Smith and a dedicated member of the Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Board of Directors.
What began as a volunteer build day alongside her husband quickly turned into a deep-rooted passion for Habitat’s mission. Since joining the board in 2021, Michelle has brought her strategic insight, leadership, and heart for service to the organization. Guided by her personal mantra, “Seek your blessings daily,” Michelle is committed to helping families find strength and stability through homeownership.
Learn more about Michelle, her Habitat journey, and what continues to inspire her work.
Employer and title: Gresham Smith, Market Vice President
Q: What is your favorite quote or life mantra?
A: “Seek your blessings daily”
Q: How long have you been involved with HFHWM and how has your involvement evolved over time?
A: “I first engaged with Habitat for Humanity indirectly in January 2018 when my husband worked on a golf tournament that benefited local charitable organizations. I was able to participate in build days with his company, and that evolved into me asking Gresham Smith to commit to sponsor a build day. In November of 2021, I was asked to join the board, which evolved into participating in the Marketing & Events Committee and ultimately led to becoming the Secretary for the Executive Board.”
Q: What inspired you to join the board of HFHWM?
A: “My husband's company did a Habitat for Humanity build day. I was able to participate in that event and then attended the home dedication. I was ‘all in’ after that moving experience.”
Q: Do you serve on any HFHWM committees?
A: “Yes, the Marketing & Events Committee.”
Q: What do you believe sets Habitat for Humanity apart from other nonprofits?
A: “Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit that is trying to break a cycle versus giving temporary assistance. It impacts future generations by providing the opportunity for homeownership and stability."
Q: What skills or expertise do you bring to the Habitat board, and how have they been most impactful?
A: “I am a strategic thinker and business leader with the gift of discernment. I can contribute thoughts and ideas for organizational structure and operations as well as contribute insightful ideas discerned from multiple viewpoints of the board and the community. I am also a galvanizer who can create a can-do spirit to rally around things that are complicated.”
Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your time volunteering on a Habitat build?
A: “There are so many! One of my favorites is when we get to meet the entire family at the dedication. I will walk through the house, room by room, with the children and have them tell me all about their rooms and all of the things they are excited to do. They often share that they have their own closet or room for a desk to study or a place for a dining room table to enjoy a family meal or play games. Their eyes light up with excitement every time, and it is such a moving experience.”
Q: What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from serving on the board?
A: “While I bring a wealth of knowledge from a private sector business, the complexities of a nonprofit can be challenging. There are so many partnerships and differing regulations and avenues for funding.”
Q: What motivates you to stay involved with Habitat and other organizations in our community?
A: “The home dedications and working alongside the homeowners is what motivates me to stay connected to Habitat for Humanity. Each time my husband and I attend fundraising events or participate in meaningful ways with a non-profit, when we witness the change it makes in others’ lives, we say to each other, "This is why we do this; this is why we volunteer."
Q: What message would you share with someone considering volunteering or donating to Habitat?
A: “Do it! If you wonder if it is the right thing, all of you have to do is attend one home dedication or work a build day with a future homeowner and hear their stories. You will never question it again. It truly is about breaking a cycle and making a difference.”