Michelle Santiago

Director of Communications Michelle Santiago leads the Foundation’s strategic voice to promote the organizational mission and elevate visibility of the work of ECMC Foundation and its grantee partners.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Michelle served as the vice president of communications at Excelencia in Education. She has more than 20 years of experience in communications roles at organizations committed to educational initiatives. Her experience includes strategic communications campaigns, web development, media relations, creative and brand strategies, social media campaigns, employee communications, communications analysis and reporting. Michelle has also served in public schools as a high school teacher and a university instructor.

Michelle holds a Master of Education from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in communications from James Madison University.

Why are you working at ECMC Foundation and committed to working toward improving higher education for underserved learners?

I am committed to improving higher education for underserved learners because I have experienced how transformative education can be. As a single parent who has balanced work, family and personal growth, I understand the real-life barriers that many nontraditional and underrepresented students face. Education has been central to my own personal and professional journey, and I want to help ensure that others have the same opportunity to grow, thrive and succeed.

That is why I am proud to be working at ECMC Foundation, where our mission aligns with my own values. Through this work, I can contribute to real change—supporting programs and initiatives that open doors, remove barriers and help more students realize their potential.