Michelle was Born and raised in Portland. Attended Jefferson High School. Both of Michelle’s families are part of the rich culture of Black Portland. The Burch & Gordly families have deep roots in Albina and her grandfather was a long-time parking attendant at Moda. Until Michelle became a BlazerDancer, she had never attended a Trail Blazer game.
Most of Michelle’s Professional career has been Non-Profit World: Columbia River Girl Scout Council, the I Have A Dream Foundation Oregon, and Self Enhancement, Inc. Michelle worked in various schools through these programs to uplift youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods including Harriet Tubman, Vernon Elementary and Jefferson High Schools. She also worked with Les Femmes Debutantes for 10 years.
She’s an Active volunteer in the School community and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Michelle Attended Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA to study Broadcast Communications and received a Bachelor of Science. As a Dancer, her Southern University Marching Band exposed her to many opportunities: Michelle has Performed in 4 Mardi Gras seasons and Bayou Classics in New Orleans; Super Bowl 24 in New Orleans as a featured dancer, and returned to Portland and became a BlazerDancer for 6 seasons. Michelle’s current role is the Senior Manager, Performance Teams and is in her 16th season.