Adjunct/Affiliated Professor
Director for Grants Management and Procurement, Minnesota Department of Corrections
Michelle Basham’s experience includes more than 30 years of leadership in the nonprofit and public sectors. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for youth experiencing homelessness and sexual exploitation, child welfare, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and eliminating racism.
She holds an undergraduate degree in communications and organizational development, a graduate degree in public administration and business, and a law degree. Basham completed a fellowship at the Humphrey Institute Public Policy Forum where she did her group work on women and people of color in political leadership.
At the age of 19, she founded Avenues for Homeless Youth, which was the first shelter for homeless youth in Minneapolis in 1993.
She has held leadership positions at organizations including Avenues for Homeless Youth, FamilyWise, CommonBond Communities, YWCA of Delaware, YWCA Minneapolis, Bridge for Youth, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development – Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Ramsey County.
Basham currently serves as the director for grants management and procurement for the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Teaching
Seminar: Homeless Youth
michelle.basham @mitchellhamline.edu