Michelle Mott currently serves AACRAO as a consultant providing project management support to the association's innovative credential projects and initiatives. She also works as a communications consultant for Sova and manages individual projects as an independent contractor. With over 15 years of experience in higher education policy and communications, Mott has a proven track record of driving impactful campaigns and initiatives, leveraging the power of advocacy and communications to drive positive change. Previously, she served as AACRAO's director of public policy, championing policies and best practices that support the development of inclusive educational environments, diverse pathways, and successful learning outcomes. In previous roles, she led advocacy efforts and communications strategies that helped to elevate the association’s legislative impact, developing compelling narratives to educate stakeholders and advance key reforms. Mott began her career as a substitute history teacher in Mississippi.Mott’s passion for education and the opportunities that it can afford is deeply personal, inspired by her father’s achievements as a speaker of English as a second language and the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Her own academic journey includes a master’s degree in history and public policy from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Millsaps College.