Principal / Founder
Baem Leadership LLC
Danbury, Connecticut, United States
Michelle Hoover is a leading voice on first-generation college students (FGCS) transitioning into first-generation professionals (FGPs). A seasoned leadership strategist, consultant, and executive coach, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to the challenges of belonging, inclusion, and career advancement that FGPs face. The daughter of immigrants with working-class roots, Michelle draws from her own experience to help organizations recognize and support high-potential talent that often goes unseen.
As the founder of Baem Leadership, Michelle advises Fortune 200 companies, mission-driven organizations, law firms, and colleges and universities. Her work focuses on designing leadership strategies that help FGPs thrive inside complex corporate systems. New research shows that FGPs outperform peers by 40% in intrinsic motivation and are 32% more loyal to employers—traits that make them invaluable in today’s retention-obsessed market. Michelle helps companies create practical approaches to supporting and retaining FGPs, so both individuals and organizations benefit. When well-supported, FGPs reach new professional heights, gain access to senior roles, and increase their earning power over time.
Previously, Michelle built and led the Leadership and Learning function at Audible, an Amazon company, and drove more than 100% year-over-year growth at General Assembly, helping to position the company for its $412.5 million acquisition. Her programs have reached more than 75,000 learners across five continents in her 20 years of advising senior leaders.
Michelle’s work bridges research and real-world application. She believes early investment in first-generation college students creates a win-win: employers gain loyal, motivated talent, and FGPs gain access to careers they may never have imagined possible. A former journalist with degrees from Penn State and Harvard, Michelle brings clarity, credibility, and deep strategic insight to her work. Her voice is shaping a new conversation—one that positions FGPs as a strategic advantage for the future of work.
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From Campus to Career: Addressing First-Gen Students’ Needs for Success
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM EDT