Michelle Okere

Michelle Okere is a Métis-Cree leader, executive, and entrepreneur whose work focuses on advancing Indigenous economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, and systems-level change. She is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, a national Indigenous-led charity working to strengthen access to financial literacy, entrepreneurship supports, technology, mentorship, and capital for Indigenous women, youth, and early-stage entrepreneurs across Canada.

Michelle brings more than a decade of experience leading and advising organizations at the provincial, regional, and national levels. Her work spans organizational strategy, governance, economic development, philanthropy, and community engagement. She is also the co-founder of the REET Institute and Principal of Okere & Associates, through which she provides strategic advisory services to organizations across Canada.

Michelle holds an Executive MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business and the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She has contributed to national and international conversations on Indigenous economic participation, including representing Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Summit in Brazil and speaking at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

In addition to PolicyWise, Michelle serves on the Board of the Edmonton Community Foundation. Her contributions have been recognized through Edify Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40, the Deputy Minister’s Award for Innovation, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Michelle joined PolicyWise’s Board of Directors in 2021. She currently serves as Past Board Chair, having served as Board Chair from 2023 to 2025 and Board Vice Chair from 2022 to 2023.