Michelle Zelaya-Wagner

About Michelle Zelaya-Wagner

Building trust, systems, and programs that make impact stick. I\'m a strategic thinker and collaborative teammate who\'s often brought in to help teams navigate complexity and actually get the work done. I build trust internally and externally by listening closely to donors, colleagues, and partners and aligning around shared values. I\'m especially energized by systems-level change -improving processes, strengthening financial and organizational performance, and turning big ideas into work that drives results. I\'m comfortable in messy, ambiguous conversations and known for translating concepts into plans people can execute. For me, equity and belonging aren\'t buzzwords; they\'re core to how I lead toward organizational success. I model collaboration, accountability, and creativity to help build cultures where people feel valued and expected to show up and deliver.

Experience

1. Coda Fellowship

   The Nature Conservancy

   Mar 2025 — Present

   Youth Engagement Programs at TNC

Education

• University of Florida

  Master of Arts - MA, Global Strategic Communications

  2020 — 2022

• Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business

  Bachelor's Degree, Business Major

  2009 — 2012

Skills

• Sports
• Ticket Sales
• Athletics
• Program Management
• Promotions
• Administering Programs
• Finding Information
• Creating New Ideas
• Organizing Tasks
• Meeting People
• Football
• Adapting New Procedures
• Adaptation
• Project Planning
• Advising People
• Promoting Events
• Event Management
• Checking for Accuracy
• Proposing Ideas
• Planning Agendas/Meetings
• Coping with Deadlines
• Coaching Individuals
• Planning Organizational Needs
• Handling Complaints
• Negotiating/Arbitrating Conflicts
• Updating Files
• Customer Service
• Handling Detail Work
• Social Media
• Sports Marketing
• Collecting Money
• Sports Management
• Social Media Marketing
• Tolerating Interruptions
• Powerpoint
• Confronting Other People
• Event Planning