Ask5: Becoming a Change Maker with Michelle Cleary, '16

In this Ask5 conversation, SUNY Empire alum, Michelle Cleary shares the work of AHP and the types of programs and supports the organization provides to individuals and communities. She reflected on how this work sits at the intersection of workforce development, mental health, and community services, and discusses some of the challenges that come with helping people navigate complex systems while connecting them to the resources they need. 🤝

Michelle highlights the importance of skills like communication, empathy, collaboration, and systems thinking—especially for those interested in workforce development, training, or advocacy roles. She also offer advice for students and career changers, encouraging them to stay open to different pathways and focus on building transferable skills that can make a real impact in their communities.

Bio: Michelle N. Cleary, M.A., is a senior program manager II at Advocates for Human Potential (AHP), where she serves as a manager for training and technical assistance (TTA) projects. She has expertise in facilitation; implementation in the areas of veterans, military, and veteran families; project and event management; strategic planning; substance use disorders (SUDs); suicide prevention; systems coordination; TTA; and workforce development. She has worked on projects funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Ms. Cleary holds an M.A. in adult learning from the State University of New York Empire State College.