Michèle Newton

Spearheading the “Fit Out” movement by sharing her personal experiences growing up bi-racial, Michèle Newton activates her audiences to become more inclusive. Michèle celebrates and validates her intersectionality and Black lived experiences through her personal journey to inclusion. She explores the intersection of being a woman, Black and bi-racial, of belonging and fitting “out” vs “in”. Through storytelling, Michèle explores her relationship to Black history and culture, and to Black women and girls, from a personal growth perspective that she calls “Back to Black”. ​ With an authentic presence and dynamic delivery, Michèle Newton is all about accepting who you are and fueling change through hope.

Michèle Newton’s lived experience as a bi-racial woman led her to feel unheard and out of place in her own skin. Finding strength in her individuality, she adopted a “better together” philosophy, bringing to light the need for inclusion and belonging for all. Michèle became an activist and community changemaker. Guided by her “better together” philosophy – growing relationships, nurturing collaborations, and facilitating partnerships- she began work to strengthen her community. Through her lived experiences, Michèle shares her approach to social change. Focusing on the intersectional experience, Michèle invites every attendee to come as they are to create an environment of belonging. Through her raw and powerful storytelling, she moves audiences to action.

With the pillars of her work rooted in achieving togetherness and belonging, Michèle’s mission is to unite her local community, municipalities, cities, companies and beyond. Carving out space that has never existed, Michèle is determined to create communities where young women like her daughter will have space to authentically exist and belong. Michèle shares her approach to social change through her biracial, Black lived experiences. Starting at the beginning, she frames her keynote with her personal background, motivations and catalysts for the movement. Michèle explores the opposition and challenges encountered along the way and wraps up by inspiring social change through her call to action. Michèle does not just tell her story, but rolls up her sleeves and continues to do the work to end exclusion. Michèle’s long-term vision and passion for connection makes her the ideal mentor for youth.