Michele Lawrence is chief executive officer of MicheleSpeaks, LLC. The company, launched in January 2017, helps people realize their worth, build wealth, embrace wellness and accrue wisdom by providing empowerment tools and events, educational opportunities and strategic planning services.

Michele’s strong business acumen was developed over her 28-year career in the banking industry. While serving as Area President and Senior Vice President for Wells Fargo’s Greater Philadelphia Region, Michele managed more than 500 employees across 39 locations, and was responsible for $2.5 billion in deposits, and $1 billion in loans.

During her time with Wells Fargo, Michele, a native of Newark, NJ and a Rutgers University graduate, implemented the development of service-driven partnerships that successfully empowered individuals, small businesses, and communities. She led a partnership with 12 schools across Philadelphia that provided teachers, students and parents with access to arts and culture, and literacy programs. A collaboration she oversaw with Temple University and the Enterprise Center produced two small business drives.

Michele retired from Wells Fargo in 2017, but her legacy of excellence, service and compassion lives on in the work she pursues through community service.

Michele founded the Saving Our Boys Leadership Development Institute in 2011. The organization prepares young men in grades 5 through 12 for success beyond high school by building character, developing leadership skills and instilling a sense of social responsibility.
Always interested in living out her true potential in life and in faith, Michele became a licensed minister in 2016. She currently ministers at Dare to Imagine Church under the leadership of Pastor Kevin Johnson.

Michele hosts the “Michele Speaks” radio program at noon on Wednesdays on WWDB-860 AM in Philadelphia.

The show features a diverse roster of guests and strives to promote Worth, Wealth, Wellness and Wisdom, “The 4 Ws,” as Michele calls them. These are the same core principles that guide her professional work with MicheleSpeaks, LLC and are engaged through her community service and her ministry.

Michele serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region (BBBS Independence), Dare to Imagine Church and the Urban League of Philadelphia. She has previously been a member of the School District of Philadelphia’s Renaissance Advisory Board, and involved with the Urban Financial Services Coalition (USFC), and ACHIEVability.

Some of Michele’s awards and recognitions include: A Community Service Citation from Philadelphia Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. (2011); being recognized as a Woman on the Move by the Philadelphia Tribune; Money Manager of the Year (2015) by SmartCEO; Community Leader of the Year (2014); one of 25 Most Influential Women in Business (2012) by The Network Journal; and one 25 Women of Distinction by the Philadelphia Business Journal (2010).

Michele lives in Philadelphia and has been a resident of the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania for 13 years.