Michelle Leigh Badger
Cape and Plymouth Business Media Logo Circle

40 Under 40 Class of 2021!

Honoree Name: Michelle L. Badger
Company: Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Career background / highlights: Master’s degree in Public Administration, master’s in Professional Studies, Certified Fundraising Executive. Intern for Senator John Kerry and a Moakley Fellow with Senator Kennedy. I have held jobs working for higher education and political campaigns throughout my career.
Community commitment: Plymouth Fragment Society Board Member, DreamRide Plymouth LLC board member; Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride Coordination Team for Plymouth; Pilgrim Area Collaborative Board Member; Plymouth Public Schools Alumni Association Chair; Plymouth School Committee, Vice-Chair; Plymouth No Place For Hate Committee; Sweet Briar College Boston Area Alumnae Club Chair; Sweet Briar College Admissions Ambassador; Sweet Briar College Class Co-President and Fund Agent.
Favorite professional moment: Having alumni who worked with you when they were a student texting or calling you to say hi or making a gift.
Who is your role model / mentor? My parents showed me from a young age what hard work looks like and that I could do anything. My neighbors growing up, the Rondeaus, demonstrated to me what it is to listen to other people’s opinions, have your own opinion, accept other opinions, and to be heard even if people are talking very loudly around you. I have long admired Hillary Clinton for the brilliant, inspiring and independent person I see her to be.
What mistake has taught you the most? I once took a job that I thought would be great and I would learn so much. I had an amazing boss but soon realized how important an organization's culture and how they value their employees truly is. That mistake taught me a lot about organizational culture and what kind of a leader that I hope to be and the kind of place I choose to work for.
What one book has impacted your life? “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
What is your superpower? Hard work and dedication.
Where can you be found on the weekends? At the gym (maybe at a Zumba class), reading a book, running errands, preparing for my week, taking a walk with my Boston Terrier Eleanor Roosevelt and with family or friends.