Michelle Shirley
Chief Heart Officer® • Speaker • Relationship Coach
Empowering youth, adults, and families through Heart Skills® education and healthy relationship development.
Michelle's Impact
$250K → $4M+
Grew the organization's annual operating budget
8,000+
Youth and families impacted every year across South Florida
Harvard Executive Program Graduate
Harvard University
Top 10 Best Places to Work
South Florida Business Journal
2024 Honoree, Women Who Make a Difference
Junior League of Miami
Exemplary Dade Partner Award
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (2022)
Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
"Creating environments where people can build the relationship skills they need to thrive, at home, in school, at work, and in the community."
Hi, I'm Michelle Shirley.
I'm the CEO of Be Strong International, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching youth and adults the importance of healthy relationships through our Heart Skills® education. Since joining the organization in 2005 and becoming CEO in 2012, I've had the privilege of leading a team that has grown our impact, expanded our reach, and transformed thousands of lives across South Florida.
I'm passionate about creating environments where people can build the relationship skills they need to thrive, at home, in school, at work, and in the community.
Michelle Shirley
Topics Michelle Speaks On
Healthy Relationships
Building stronger relationships at home, work, and in communities.
Youth Empowerment
Equipping young people with life skills for a brighter future.
Heart-Led Leadership
Leading with empathy, purpose, and impact.
Community Transformation
Creating sustainable change through collaboration and education.
Nonprofit Excellence
Growing impact, building strong teams, and leading with integrity.
Inspiring. Empowering. Transforming.
A Life Rooted in Connection
Michelle is a first-generation American and the daughter of Jamaican parents who immigrated to the United States in the late 1970s.
When she's not leading Be Strong International, she enjoys spending time with her husband Jason and their children, Jehu, Zion, and Hope.
What Others Are Saying
Michelle is a dynamic leader who leads with heart and vision. Her work is transforming lives and strengthening our community.
Her passion for youth and families is unmatched. Michelle truly lives out her mission every day through Be Strong.
Michelle's leadership has amplified our impact and created real change in the lives of thousands of families.
Let's Create Lasting Impact Together
Whether you're planning a conference, leadership event, workshop, or community initiative, Michelle brings decades of experience transforming lives and organizations.