Michelle Hughes

Director, Communities Empowering Youth
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Michelle Hughes, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, attended Duval County public schools, Jones College and Florida Community College of Jacksonville graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. She later received her Masters of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

Michelle’s professional career began with State Farm Insurance Company. In that position, she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience dedicated to customer service. In June 2001, Michelle joined FreshMinistries as Assistant Director of Reconciliation Ministry. Michelle worked closely with The Rev. Davette Turk organizing church twinning which allowed pastors and their congregations from all denominations to exchange pulpits twice a year. In addition, Michelle organized dialogue between interfaith community groups to bring an understanding to their differences. She was promoted to Youth and Family Director in June of 2004. Michelle directed the Fresh Futures program, a summer program for youth that included training and development, enrichment and community activities with college interns serving as mentors for the youth. In August 2005, Michelle was called to work with the City of Jacksonville’s Network for Strengthening Families where she served as a Social Services Coordinator and a Franklin Covey’s certified facilitator to teach “7 Habits of Successful Families” in Jacksonville. While in this position, Michelle was instrumental in empowering families to strengthen their relationships and take control of their future by making positive choices.

In March 2008, Michelle rejoined the FreshMinistries team as Director of the Communities Empowering Youth Program. She is working with faith and community based organizations to build their capacity to serve families and youth in an effort to reduce juvenile violence, child abuse and neglect. Michelle also facilitates team building exercises to faith and community group organizations for both children and adults.

Michelle and her husband, Ralph, have two children; Monica, a graduate of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida; and Ashlea, student at Florida State College of Jacksonville. In Michelle’s spare time, she works beside her husband teaching a weekly Bible Study group.