She's Back!

Michelle Rosa Martins, OME Director

     “I have this nagging feeling in my gut. Something bigger than me was talking.  My work at Holy Cross is not yet done.”  With these thoughts in mind, former OME Associate Director Michelle Rosa Martins sought to apply for the position that was to be vacated by retiring dean Mable Millner. She got in. Michelle begins her term as OME Director on the 27^th of January.    

     Michelle has been with Holy Cross for four years before she moved on to the College Crusade of Rhode Island where she was director of post-secondary success and alumni engagement.  In her professional dealings, she brings with her the framework of relational leadership.  “I work in teams,” Michelle stressed while emphasizing her role not as a boss but as a leader.  Dialogue, she says happens between two human beings and all must share in rendering others to open up.  It makes a difference also, Michelle says, to model ideal responses especially with students.  It matters a lot, she says if you’re a person who smiles at them, affirms their dedication, their history and value as human persons.  

     Michelle also believes in recognizing the many voices that gather around the table for dialogue and using the language of empathy and actually living it.  Conflicts happen, she implies when not everyone is on the same page.  Putting out information out there with the help of partners and assuring access to resources for many, Michelle says thus become crucial.      

      Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students Rose Caranci, who has had the opportunity to work with Michelle for four years thinks of the new OME director as an amazing person whose positive influence will indeed touch the lives of many students in a very powerful way. “I’m over the top with excitement to learn more from her,” Rose says of Michelle.  “Her work is not yet done here,” adds Rose as she expressed her joy in welcoming Michelle back to OME.  

     Michelle holds bachelor and graduate degrees in human development and family studies from the University of Rhode Island.  She further describes herself as a “dedicated change agent who is passionate about the education and future of all students, especially those with limited resources and minoritized identities.”