Michelle Kim

Michelle Kim is a fierce immigrant, queer woman of color, and entrepreneur, challenging the status quo in tech.

Michelle is the Co-founder and CEO of Awaken, a leading provider of modern and interactive diversity, inclusion, and leadership workshops. Awaken creates compassionate and inspiring learning experiences to empower leaders and teams to lead fearlessly and inclusively in today’s dynamic workplace.

Prior to Awaken, Michelle had a successful career in both tech and management consulting, working with C- and VP-level executives to build high performing organizations around the world. While working in consulting and technology startups, she experienced and validated first-hand the urgent need for modern, up-to-date D&I education that go beyond just “checking the box.”

Michelle has been a lifelong social justice activist and has served on a variety of organizations such as the LGBTQ Speakers Bureau, SF Human Rights Commission’s Advisory Committee, and LYRIC nonprofit’s Board of Directors.

Michelle is a passionate keynote speaker and writer. She was named “Top Writer in Diversity” by Medium for her thought leadership, and is a contributor to Quartz at Work. Michelle has spoken at many renowned platforms such as Marketo’s Marketing Nation Summit, Women in Leadership Conference by UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, Culture Summit San Francisco, Amnesty International’s General Assembly, and more.

Michelle graduated from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business with a passion for social entrepreneurship.