Toledo CEDAW Women's History Month Spotlight: Michelle Finley
Michelle Finley, a lifelong resident of the greater Toledo area, has dedicated her career to addressing social justice issues. Graduating from the University of Toledo, she embarked on a journey as a high school teacher, driven by a passion to equip teenagers with the vocabulary needed to navigate issues of inequality. Since her student teaching at Whitmer High School in 1998, Michelle has been an unwavering presence in the classroom, teaching psychology, sociology, and world history for the past 25 years.
Responding to students' needs, Michelle played a pivotal role in establishing a Gay-Straight Alliance in 2009, witnessing the incredible support it garnered. Continuing her commitment to fostering inclusivity, she also guided the setup of a Feminist Club in 2017, a role she still happily advises today. In 2021, Michelle's dedication to promoting gender equity and inclusion extended beyond her classroom as her school district participated in training led by Katrice Quitter.
Beyond the school walls, Michelle has been an active member of the National Organization for Women, consistently attending various events to advocate for and support women and other historically marginalized groups in the larger community.
In Her Own Words
How do you cultivate an inclusive environment in your classroom?
Michelle, a dedicated educator, contemplates her students' responses to social justice movements and the cultivation of an inclusive environment within her classroom. Her commitment to fostering an open-door policy has enabled her students to express themselves freely about their diverse cultures, fostering an atmosphere where each individual feels valued and celebrated by their peers.