Michelle Aquino
Development Director
Michelle joined Rise Against Suicide in July 2023. Originally from the east coast, Michelle received her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Management from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, in 2006 and then received her Master of Science degree in Non-Profit Management from The New School University in New York, NY, in 2009.
After graduate school, Michelle worked on the development team at The Michael J. Fox Foundation from 2009-2015. She planned, produced, and executed the Foundation’s five annual benefit events, raising approximately $6 million annually. From 2015-2019, she worked as the Events Manager for several nonprofits such as buildOn, the One Love Foundation in honor of Yeardley Love, and Americares where she continued to produce and plan events across the country.
Most recently, Michelle raised funds for suicide prevention through the State of Colorado and is passionate about raising critical funds for youth and supporting their mental health. Michelle and her husband moved to Colorado in 2020 and have a beautiful daughter, Sophie.
After graduate school, Michelle worked on the development team at The Michael J. Fox Foundation from 2009-2015. She planned, produced, and executed the Foundation’s five annual benefit events, raising approximately $6 million annually.