Michelle Pedro - Arkansas

Michelle Pedro is one of three Marshallese American women that work for the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese (ACOM). She is proud to be working for ACOM, which is the first Marshallese owned and led nonprofit in Arkansas. She serves her community as the Policy Director & Communications Specialist. But like most women, she wears various hats.

Before she joined ACOM, she worked for other non-profit organizations like Children's Hospital NWA, Marshallese Educational Initiative, and others. She has experience serving vulnerable populations in Oregon and California. In addition to her service, she was part of the team that Advocated to Congress to restore Medicaid eligibility to citizens of the Compact of Free Association (COFA). Including, collecting stories for other projects like food insecurity, pregnant women and cultural equity.

Her hope is that this opportunity will spark more interest for Oceania leaders, especially Marshallese leaders to learn & grow.