Jury

For more than two decades, Michelle has championed results-driven campaigns for world-class consumer and healthcare brands. Michelle’s mantra is, “There’s nothing more important or more personal than our health,” and in her current role as Executive Vice President, Executive Creative Director, US Creative Health Lead at Edelman, she inspires creative teams to create purpose-driven campaigns that drive systemic change and positive impact within the health and wellness space and society at large. In addition to a current client roster that includes Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AbbVie, Haleon and Alcon, Michelle and her team have placed a keen focus on women’s health, mental wellness, and health equity efforts. Hologic’s “Serving Confidence” campaign galvanizes black women in the fight against cervical cancer. The “UNSPOKEN” campaign for the City of Chicago, drives awareness, reduces stigmas, and directs residents to vital mental health services. And Astra Zeneca’s “Up the Antibodies” campaign empowers immunocompromised people with a new choice, and a renewed voice, in their ongoing fight against COVID-19. Prior to Edelman, Michelle spent three years as VP, Managing Creative Director of Scout Marketing, leading fully integrated marketing programs across the healthcare division. Michelle’s recent experience also includes three years as Group Creative Director at Havas Worldwide Chicago where she spearheaded the re-brand of Ragú Pasta Sauce. She also spent years at FCB Chicago, where she was a VP, Creative Director for the Consumer Health Division. A writer by trade, you can often find Michelle writing spur-of-the-moment haikus and challenging anyone and everyone to a game of Scrabble. A strong proponent of mentoring and fostering young talent, Michelle is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Communications and the School of Continuing & Professional Studies at Loyola University Chicago.