Michelle Zych, she/her, joined The Sherwood Foundation in January 2021 as the Director of Community Initiatives. In this role, she supports the foundation’s mission to promote equity through social justice initiatives enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska. Prior to joining The Sherwood Foundation, Michelle served as executive director of the Women’s Fund of Omaha. During her time with the organization, she led a dynamic team that established the Women’s Fund as a statewide leader in advocacy, domestic violence, sex trafficking, and access to sexual and reproductive health care and education.

Other experience includes serving as regional development director for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and director of strategic development for Camp Fire USA – Midlands Council (now known as Completely Kids). She holds a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and a Bachelor of Arts degree in women’s studies and sociology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

In addition to serving on the board of the Women’s Funding Network, Michelle currently serves as the president of the board of directors for SHARE Omaha. She is a recipient of the Midland’s Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, the University of Nebraska-Omaha College of Public Affairs and Community Service’s Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Achievement Award. Michelle is a graduate of Leadership Omaha Class 31 and the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands’ Nonprofit Executive Institute Class 7.