Michelle Renee has been "dreaming big" all her life. From abused runaway, at times homeless, teen to becoming a banking industry Executive by the age of 30. At age 35 Michelle's 13 year career came to an end when she, and her 7 year-old daughter, were stalked, kidnapped, held hostage, taped with exploives and after 14 hours, Michelle was forced to rob the bank she managed to save their lives. Michelle Renee kept on "dreaming big" and is now the 2008 MSN Hometown Hero, a published author, speaker, and owner of dreamBIG® Consulting and Women Who dreamBIG® and delivering her "Live Your dreamBIG® Life" message to the masses!
Michelle's debut book, Held Hostage:The True Story of a Mother and Daughter's Kidnapping shares her journey with passion, grit and courage. From the dark aftermath of violent crime, confronting her abusive past in order to embrace what she calls "her now" and what it took for her and her daughter to overcome this devastating tragedy with self-love will be a Lifetime movie in May 2009. Michelle will soon be releasing her sophommore book, Hostage No More: 10 Secrets to "Live Your dreamBIG® Life".
Michelle has been awarded for her success in banking as well as for her leadership in our community via her advocacy efforts with The Violent Trauma Awareness Project and Rock To Stop Violence: A Rock & Roll Benefit Concert, Fashion and Art Show. Her vision is to have a sold out arena for her Rock To Stop Violence event with well-known headline bands who want to share in this global message of standing united for peace and non-violence and inspiring others to see that they can "Live Your dreamBIG® Life".
Michelle studied Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations at the University of Alaska and is a member of the Global Peacebuilders Project, National Association of Women Executives, was named Soroptimist International's 2007 Woman of Distinction, and has been interviewed by Gayle King, featured in magazines in the UK and on national and international radio. In 2008 Michelle was honored to be added to the Chicago Children's Hospital Trauma Center Survivor Wall, became a Family Advocate for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Children's Hospital Chadwick Center in San Diego, and was featured on The Biography Channel and A & E Television.
Michelle resides in Southern California with her daughter, Breea.
Visit my blog at www.huffingtonpost.com/MichelleRenee