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Michelle Wimes has extensive work experience in various leadership roles focused on equity, inclusion, diversity, and professional development. Michelle currently holds the position of Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children's Mercy Kansas City, where they collaborate with hospital leaders to address health disparities and foster an inclusive workplace culture. Prior to this, they served as a Capstone Advisor at The University of Kansas. Michelle has also held positions at Ogletree Deakins, where they were the Chief Diversity and Professional Development Officer, and Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., where they served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives. Additionally, they worked as an equity partner at Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, providing general counsel services to public school districts. Michelle's early career included serving as an Associate/Of Counsel at Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. and as an Associate Attorney at Husch Blackwell, where they handled employment discrimination cases, conducted litigation, and conducted seminars on immigration-related topics. Throughout their career, Michelle has been published in prominent industry journals.

Michelle Wimes received their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Spanish Language and Literature and Communication Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1988. Michelle then pursued a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree in Immigration/International Law from Tulane University Law School, which they completed from 1991 to 1994. In addition to their formal education, Michelle Wimes also obtained the Dare to Lead Trained certification from Dare to Leadâ„¢ Trained institution in 2019.