Michelle Mendes

Throughout her career, Michelle Mendes has served to promote diversity, increase awareness, and support marginalized groups in Massachusetts. As the SDO's Director of Programs and Engagement, Michelle leads the team responsible for conducting outreach, creating partnerships with community organizations, and hosting and attending events to support underserved businesses. She joined the SDO in 2022 as a Certification Investigator for small and diverse businesses.

A descendant of the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation, Michelle wrote the tribal ethics laws and negotiated and raised funds for the MWT Government’s healthcare and educational initiatives. She was also a director for the North American Indian Center of Boston.