Michelle Lopes Maldonado
About Michelle Lopes Maldonado
Michelle Lopes Maldonado is a Lead Program Designer for the Peace On Purpose Program at the United Nations Foundation and a candidate for U.S. Congress in Virginia's 10th District. She has a diverse background in technology, law, and leadership, and serves on various boards while advocating for affordable housing and family values.
Work at United Nations Foundation
Michelle Lopes Maldonado serves as the Lead Program Designer for the Peace On Purpose Program at the United Nations Foundation since 2020. In this role, she focuses on integrating mindfulness and emotional intelligence into leadership development. The program aims to enhance leadership skills through a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness in decision-making processes.
Current Political Involvement
Since 2023, Michelle Lopes Maldonado has been a candidate for the U.S. Congress, representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District. In addition to her candidacy, she has been serving as a State Representative in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2022. Her political work reflects her commitment to advocating for safe and affordable housing and leveraging technology for societal benefits.
Education and Expertise
Michelle Lopes Maldonado holds a Juris Doctorate from The George Washington University Law School, where she studied Business Law, Corporate Law, Entrepreneurship, and Technology. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College, majoring in Latin American Studies and Spanish Literature & Language. Her educational background supports her expertise in the intersection of technology and government.
Professional Experience and Leadership Roles
Michelle has held various leadership roles throughout her career. She has been a Board Member at Sojourners from 2021 to 2023 and currently serves on the Board of the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute since 2022. Additionally, she is an Advisory Board Member for the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation Center for Wellbeing at Barnard College. Her previous experience includes working as Senior Faculty at 1440 Multiversity from 2018 to 2023.
Advocacy and Personal Values
Michelle Lopes Maldonado emphasizes family values in both her professional and personal life. She advocates for safe and affordable housing as a fundamental right, highlighting the necessity of resources for work, family, education, and overall quality of life. Her advocacy work reflects her commitment to community well-being and social equity.