2025 Women's History Month: Michelle

MEET MICHELLE:

A JOURNEY IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

HAPPY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

MICHELLE N. BAKSH GLOBAL PROGRAMS SPECIALIST CENTER FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION

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ABOUT MICHELLE Born and raised in Manhattan, NYC, Michelle is a firstgeneration Pakistani-American fluent in Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. With a B.A. in South Asian History, she has lived in Tennessee for six years after spending time in Honolulu and Minneapolis. She moved to Tennessee for professional growth and to be closer to family. Currently, she’s pursuing an M.S. Ed in Instructional Technology at UTK while working full-time at UTC’s Center for Global Education..

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PASSION FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION One of Michelle’s most memorable moments was helping a homeless student who was struggling to find food and stability while attending college.

She connected him with an oncampus job in Athletics, giving him access to showers, meals, and financial support. He later graduated with a degree in Human Psychology, secured an internship at the shelter he once stayed in, and credited Michelle for believing in him when he needed it most.

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INSPIRED BY HER MOTHER Michelle’s biggest inspiration is her mother, a registered nurse for 50 years and a devoted mother of four. Raised without parents, her mother built a life of resilience— immigrating to NYC at 35 with two children and one on the way. Her strength, adaptability, and faith continue to inspire Michelle every day.

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ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Prioritize your mental and physical well-being, engage with people from diverse backgrounds, travel to expand your worldview, embrace lifelong learning, and stay adaptable— because the world is always changing!

THANK YOU, MICHELLE! A HUGE THANK YOU TO MICHELLE FOR HER DEDICATION AND IMPACT AT UTC’S CENTER FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION! HER PASSION FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING STUDENTS MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY. GRATEFUL TO HAVE HER ON OUR TEAM!

Dr. Takeo Suzuki Executive Director UTC Center for Global Education

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