Mishael — A Trailblazer in Service and Community Advocacy. Mishael began her railroad career two years ago as a Payroll Timekeeper with Metra, the Chicago area’s primary commuter rail system. Alongside her professional journey, she is also a powerhouse of community service and philanthropy.

 

As one of the newest Chicago chapter members — joining less than a year ago — Mishael has already made a significant impact. Her passion for serving the community led her to join the Welfare Committee, and she supported key initiatives such the Greater Chicago Food Depository. There, alongside her chapter members, she sorted, inspected, and repacked food shipments destined for local food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across Cook County. Beyond this, Mishael actively supported the chapter’s annual Super Bowl Squares fundraiser, which helps students further their education, and attended the 2024 WNBA Chicago Sky Family and Friends game, fostering camaraderie within the chapter.

 

Mishael’s heart for service extends well beyond her chapter activities. She has volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations, including Operation Warm and Feed the Need! Illinois, as well as at marquee Chicago events like the Shamrock Shuffle, JP Morgan Chase Challenge, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. As a proud alumna of Percy L. Julian High School’s Class of 1994, Mishael has spearheaded donation drives for causes such as the Soup for the Soul initiative, the DuPage Family Self Sufficiency Program, and the MS Walk.

 

Her outstanding contributions to philanthropy have not gone unnoticed. Mishael was a recipient of the prestigious West Suburban Philanthropic Network (WSPN) Award, which celebrates individuals in the western suburbs of Chicago whose generosity, leadership, and commitment have left a lasting impact on their communities. In addition to her volunteering, Mishael continues to inspire and empower others as a certified life coach and a member of Toastmasters International. Also, at New Life Covenant Church’s Southeast Campus, she wears many hats, serving as a Follow-Up Information Resource Member Co-Lead, Welcome Center Team Member, and Special Events Team Member.

 

Dynamic, passionate, and dedicated, Mishael exemplifies what it means to be a true community advocate. Her unwavering commitment to making a difference through serving others exemplifies the leadership, compassion, and purpose that make her deserving of the NARBW Woman of the Year honor.