Michelle Hughes

About Michelle Hughes

Michelle Hughes is the Co-Executive Director for the National Young Farmers Coalition, and a member of the Department of Agriculture\'s Equity Commission, Agriculture Subcommittee. Michelle has a background in hog farming, agriculture policy reform, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the Coalition, she oversees policy, communications, and internal operations. In her roles at Young Farmers Michelle has conducted extensive assessments of racial equity within the organization’s internal workflows and external programming. She helped develop a framework for the Coalition\'s anti-racism work for implementation across the organization, from internal change processes to farmer and partner engagement on racial equity. In her role on the Equity Commission, Michelle co-authored a report of 66 recommendations written as guidance to the Secretary of Agriculture that aim to address a legacy of discrimination by USDA that was presented in February 2024. She is a graduate of Haverford College, and New York University\'s Food Studies program.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   National Young Farmers Coalition

   Apr 2023 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Serves as executive leadership for the organization, ensuring organizational compliance, efficiency, and performance are executed in alignment with the requirements of a 501(c)(3). Drives and monitors progress on the organization’s strategic plan, setting and guiding organization and department priorities, specifically policy, communications, and internal operations (finance, development, and human resources). Responsible for fiscal management of a $10M annual budget, and prospecting and fundraising to ensure the organization meets its annual goals and revenue expectations. Holds procurement, contracting and signature responsibilities for vendors, legal services, and re-granting opportunities. Serves as a model for organizational leadership, values alignment and accountability. Serves as external spokesperson for the organization with partner organizations and coalitions, press, funders, and government stakeholders.

Education

• New York University

  Master of Arts (MA), Food Studies

  2016 — 2019

• Haverford College

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Italian Language and Literature

  2011 — 2015

• Cheshire Academy

  High School Diploma

  2007 — 2011