Michelle Finet is an advancement leader driven by a passion for connecting visionary donors with initiatives that create lasting impact. As the Advancement Director for Leadership Giving at STEM Next, Michelle is spearheading the national major gift effort to bring high-quality, out-of-school STEM learning to 20 million young people, with a specific focus on increasing access for girls and youth of color.
Michelle’s career is marked by a proven ability to build strong relationships and secure significant philanthropic support. Most recently, she served as the lead major gifts officer for Seattle University’s ambitious $100 million Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation and College of Science and Engineering multidisciplinary research initiatives. In this role, Michelle’s strategic approach extended beyond individual donors to cultivate partnerships with corporate leaders. Michelle led a capital campaign fundraising task force of C-suite executives, and led board development for the college.
Prior to her time at Seattle University, Michelle honed her expertise at the National CASA/GAL Association for Children (CASA) headquarters in Seattle, where she led board development, major gifts, foundation relations, and volunteer partnerships. Her two-decade career in the sector also includes impactful roles at Pacific Science Center and the American Diabetes Association, demonstrating her commitment to organizations making a difference.
Michelle’s dedication to social impact extends beyond her professional life. She has served as a volunteer child advocate through CASA of Cook County (Chicago), embodying the values of service and advocacy she champions in her work.
Michelle holds a BS degree from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
She is an avid women’s flag football player, STEM aficionado, and mother of a college-age son and a one-eyed orange cat.