Mighty Member Moment

Say hello to fellow Women United member, Michelle Kauk! Michelle is a co-chair for our Women United Steering Leadership Team and a passionate community advocate - especially when it comes to empowering women and ensuring individuals and families have the tools they need to thrive.

Q. In today’s busy world, tell us one thing you do on a regular basis to ensure self-care.
A. I believe there is so much truth in how we can only help others if we take care of ourselves. Self-care for me varies, but it can be as simple as a good workout or as lavish as a good spa day.

Q. Tell us about a leadership trait that you possess and why you think it’s important.
A. It is incredibly important to me to be empathetic. Everyone we know is battling something, and it can impact us in small ways. I try to approach most things with an understanding of where other people might be coming from.

Q. What does Sisterhood mean to you?
A. To me, sisterhood is truly about empowering other women to know their value, and to know that sometimes being there for other women can be simply showing up.

Q. Why does Philanthropy matter?
A. Philanthropy is so important, because even if it impacts one person, you are still making a difference in that individual’s life. There’s a quote by Margaret Mead that captures the “why” for philanthropy for me: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Q. Tell us something that most people wouldn’t know about you.
A. I was offered a theatre scholarship for college, but chose political science instead!

Q. Share your favorite inspirational quote.
A. "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." – John F. Kennedy. I love this quote for so many reasons, but mostly for the idea that some opportunities require more work, more grit, and more time, but in the end, it’s necessary.

Q. So often women are humble and don’t like to share their strengths and what they love about themselves, so we are asking you to do that now!
A. I have been driven by public service my entire life. I had the great fortune of working for the late Senator John McCain, who was famous for saying “leave this place a little better than you found it.” That has always resonated with me, and I am always striving in my personal and professional life to embody that.

Q. What makes you laugh out loud?
A. Our dog Finn. He is a Boston Terrier we rescued last summer, and he “talks” to us in a voice that sounds like the Ewoks in Star Wars. It’s the absolute best!