How Michelle Found Her Voice

Poet. Performer. Speaker.

A Voice That Connects and Moves People

Michelle Perdue is a poetic storyteller and resilience keynote speaker who helps professionals at every level, from new hires to CEOs, communicate with clarity, humanity, and persuasive impact. Her work focuses on helping people build trust, reduce stress, and influence others through the power of personal story.

As a graduate of the Ruskin School of Acting and an award-winning spoken word artist, Michelle brings a unique blend of performance, storytelling, and real-world application to every stage she steps on.

She has worked with organizations such as Land O’ Lakes, General Mills, and Johnson & Johnson, helping professionals turn ideas and experiences into stories that connect, inspire action, and actually stick.

Michelle is also the author of Rise and Shine, which expands on her message of resilience, voice, and personal transformation. Learn more about the book.

Where It Started

Finding Her Voice at the Information Desk

Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, Michelle often felt voiceless. Raised with the belief that “children should be seen and not heard,” she carried that idea with her for years.

Everything began to shift at age sixteen, when her grandmother encouraged her to volunteer at a local hospital. What started as uncertainty quickly became something much more meaningful.

Working at the emergency room information desk gave Michelle a sense of purpose. People came in during some of their hardest moments, and she was there to listen, guide, and support them. For the first time, she saw the impact her voice could have.

She learned how to listen with empathy, speak with compassion, and ask the right questions to truly hear someone’s story. That experience changed everything.

The Turning Point

An Empowered Voice Changes Everything

Over time, Michelle realized that having a voice wasn’t optional. It was essential. If she wanted to advocate for herself, build meaningful relationships, and influence others, she had to use it.

That realization led her deeper into storytelling. What started as a personal transformation became a creative calling, one that led her to acting, spoken-word poetry, and eventually graduating from the Ruskin School of Acting.

Through performing, writing, and speaking, Michelle discovered something simple but powerful: stories and effective communication can be used as a vehicle to transform the lives and careers of others. This discovery was the catalyst that inspired Michelle to become the Founder of Speak To Advance Communications.