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Read this YoPro Spotlight on Michelle Powell at Florida Polytechnic University                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Answering the Call to Risk Management

When Michelle Powell moved to Florida in 2015, she never imagined she would one day be leading risk management efforts at Florida Polytechnic University. A former mathematics teacher, Powell’s career path has been anything but conventional. Through a series of unexpected turns, a deep passion for education, and a drive to support her institution, she found herself embracing a role she had never considered—one that now defines her professional mission.

A Journey of Unexpected Turns

Powell’s career began in the classroom. With an undergraduate degree in mathematics, she initially taught middle and high school students in Illinois. Teaching had always been part of her plan—she even played “teacher” with her younger brother and friends as a child. But in 2015, a move to Florida shifted her trajectory.

Initially, she continued teaching in Florida, but her curiosity was piqued when she frequently drove past Florida Polytechnic University. A quick Google search led her to an opportunity in the admissions office, where she worked for the next eight and a half years.

Then came another unexpected twist: the university’s chief financial officer (CFO) approached her about building a risk management department from the ground up. Powell had never considered risk management, but the CFO’s vision for institutional resilience and growth intrigued her. Combined with her deep love for the university—where she had earned her master’s degree—she took the leap into an entirely new field.

Stepping into the Unknown

Transitioning to risk management wasn’t without its challenges. “I didn’t know anything, and I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” Powell admits. But she soon realized that risk management is something everyone engages in, whether they realize it or not.

Her experience in admissions equipped her with valuable skills for the role. Communication, public speaking, and relationship-building proved to be just as crucial in risk management as they were in student recruitment. Her deep knowledge of the university’s structure and operations gave her a head start in identifying gaps and strengthening processes.

One of the biggest adjustments? Learning to navigate the gray areas. “In admissions, so much was black and white. In risk management, there are rarely firm yes-or-no answers,” she says. Flexibility and the ability to ask the right questions became essential tools in her new position.

A Day in the Life of a Risk Manager

No two days in risk management are the same for Powell. Mornings begin with triaging emails and addressing pressing concerns—often related to insurance, FEMA requests, or property appraisals. Beyond the daily firefighting, she dedicates time to long-term initiatives, like training programs designed to increase risk intelligence across campus.

“Being able to support different departments is the most rewarding part,” she explains. “When people see the value in what we’re doing, that’s when I know we’re making a difference.”

At the same time, the role comes with its challenges. “I’m responsible for a lot, but I don’t always ‘own’ the things I oversee,” she says. Learning to be patient while relying on others for critical information has been a personal growth area.

Lessons, Mentors, and Advice for Career Changers

Powell credits the university’s CFO as an instrumental mentor in her transition. While he provided guidance, he also allowed her freedom to shape the role in a way that made sense for the institution.

Looking back, she wishes she had been more mentally prepared for the uncertainty of the field. “Risk management isn’t an exact science. I was striving for perfection, but I’ve learned that my job is really about protecting the institution the best I can, not about having all the answers.”

Her advice for others considering a move into risk management? “Take a deep breath. It won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. You’ll put in a lot of work, and sometimes things won’t go the way you planned but that’s part of the job.”

She also emphasizes the importance of workplace culture in supporting career transitions. “Just because someone wants to leave a department doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Organizations should encourage internal movement to help employees grow in ways that ultimately benefit the institution.”

From Small-Town Roots to a Big-Picture Mindset

Powell’s approach to risk and decision-making is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised 23 miles outside of St. Louis, she grew up around her father’s trucking business. “Even at a young age, I understood that things could go wrong, and you always had to be prepared,” she recalls. Her father’s sudden passing when she was 17 reinforced a life philosophy that remains with her today: always do your best, no matter what path you take.

Initially set on a lifelong teaching career in her hometown, Powell’s outlook evolved over time. The birth of her son in 2019, followed by the passing of her mother in 2020, reshaped her priorities. “Losing my mom made me think—do I want to work just to get to retirement, or do I want to enjoy what I do every day?” That realization pushed her toward a role that offered both career advancement and work-life balance.

Beyond the Office: Crocheting, Travel, and Baseball

Outside of work, Powell has a passion for crochet—creating everything from gnomes to “emotional support pickles.” Taught by her grandmother at a young age, she finds joy in the craft. She also enjoys building LEGO sets with her family and has a deep love for baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals.

If given a year off, she’d spend it traveling the world, with Germany at the top of her list. “My family traced our genealogy back to relatives in Germany—it would be amazing to go meet them.”

She also brings a touch of creativity to campus events. At Florida Poly’s Moonlight Breakfast, a tradition where faculty and staff serve students before exams, Powell designs and wears themed hats—her recent creations include Five Nights at Freddy’s and Hello Kitty designs.

Looking Ahead

Now over a year into her role as Florida Poly’s risk manager, Powell continues to grow into the position. She stays ahead of industry trends through professional organizations like URMIA, RIMS, and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), always striving to bring fresh insights back to her institution.

Reflecting on her journey, she wouldn’t change a thing. “I don’t know what else would have led me here, but I’m grateful for where I am.”

From a math classroom to risk management, Powell’s career proves that sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones we never planned for.

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