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Michelle Harpenau is the Executive Director with the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky. She has over 10 years of experience leading all aspects of programming and strategy for the council including global education and exchange, revenue generation, community partnerships, staffing, and strategic planning. Michelle is happy to be in Cincinnati contributing to this important ongoing mission and service to the greater Cincinnati community.
She is committed to making this region the most prominent location for international understanding and cultural awareness for students, families, and professionals to succeed. Michelle is a Board Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Cincinnati Chapter and U.S. Global Leadership Coalition as well as serves on other committees locally and nationally.
Prior to joining the staff, Michelle was the Assistant Director of International Clients at Flat Hunter: Property Search Experts in Paris, France. In 2013, she went to Nigeria for a professional and cultural exchange program through the Group Study Exchange with the Rotary Club of Cincinnati. She has organized events for American Cancer Society and volunteered in Guatemala and Belize. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from Fordham University. She received certification from Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s “Think Tank on Global Education” and was a scholarship recipient to University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Center of Public Diplomacy.
Outside of the office, Michelle manages a family-owned horse farm business, Vine Hill Farm LLC. She enjoys traveling, playing golf, riding horses, scuba diving, yoga, and going on new adventures.?