MPG WELCOMES MICHELE KIRKMAN AS LEGISLATIVE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER!
As a Monument rite of passage, we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the newest member of the Monument Team.
Meet Michelle Kirkman, Monument’s new Legislative and Public Affairs Manager. Michelle joins the team from the Department of Defense, where she provided communications research and analysis to the U.S. Navy Office of Information (CHINFO). Prior to her tenure at DoD, Michelle earned a Master of Arts from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she focused on public international law and human security, wrote her Master’s thesis on the humanitarian implications of offensive peacekeeping mandates in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote d’Ivoire, and researched strategies for the protection of civilians in United Nations peacekeeping missions while at the Center for Civilians in Conflict.
Before heading to graduate school, Michelle worked at Lincoln Park Strategies, a public opinion research and analytics firm, where she delivered data-driven strategic insights on messaging, targeting, outreach, and branding to political campaigns and organizations across the country. Michelle graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband.
As the new kid on the Monument block we sat down with Michelle to get to know her a little better. Read the interview below to learn more:
What got you interested in politics?
I was brought up with a strong sense of social justice, which was part of being in a family that cared deeply about progressive politics. My personal experience in politics began when I attended a student leadership trip to D.C. in high school and had the opportunity to meet my Senators and Representative. Since then, I’ve remained active in supporting candidates and policies that I care about.
What is your favorite Monument in Washington D.C.?
My favorite Monument is the Jefferson Memorial. The view of the city and the Tidal Basin from there is amazing, especially during cherry blossom season, and it reminds me of the important values that the U.S. was founded on.
What is your favorite book?
I love to read and am a proud member of the D.C. Public Library, but my favorite book(s) will always be the Harry Potter series. Its social commentary on the importance of fighting injustice and standing up for what you believe is right continues to remain relevant.
What is your dream job?
Working in politics aside, I love to bake and my dream job would be owning my own bakery.
If you could check one thing off your bucket list what would it be?
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris and Madrid while I was in college, but one thing I’d love to check off my bucket list would be to live and work abroad again, most likely somewhere in Europe where I can refresh my college language skills in French, Spanish, or Italian.