User:7280Westwood/sandbox/Michelle Fecteau

Michelle Joan Fecteau Michelle (Born December 10, 1960) is a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island and a longtime Detroiter. Michelle is a prolific union organizer, union representative, foster parent, adoptive parent, political activist, advocate for the disabled, professional storyteller, and popular politician.'

Early Life Michelle Fecteau was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Leo Fecteau (High School French teacher) and Mary Elizabeth (Petrequin) Fecteau. Her father, Leo Fecteau, was a high school french teacher and a charter member of the Rhode Island teachers' Union, as well as the local union president. Michelle's mother, Mary Elizabeth (Petrequin) Fecteau, was a stay-at-home Mom, then a garment worker in knitting mill working the third shift while caring for nine children (William, Raymond, Susan, Mary, Annie, Patty, Josette, Jackie). Michelle was the eighth of nine children.

Michelle's mother died in 1976 after a long battle with breast cancer when Michelle was only 16. Michelle's father died of a heart attack three years later.

Michelle graduated from Tolman High in Pawtucket in 1979. She played varsity basketball and was part of a state championship team.

Education Michelle graduated from Michigan state University in 1983 with a bachelor's degree majoring in Political Science, and Women's Studies. She earned her Master's degree from Michigan state in Labor and industrial relations.  Employment Michelle's professional employment includes working as a labor union organizer and representative for the Service Employees International union Local 79 in Detroit ( Awarded the "Spirit of Detroit Award' by Detroit City council), and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951 (Received the President's Award for unflagging dedication to members). Additionally, she was a health and safety union representative at RWDSU and The International Ladies Garment Workers Union in NYC.

Michelle taught at Wayne State University' Labor School from 1996 to 2010.

Michelle is currently (2010 - present) the Executive Director of the American Association of University Professors / American federation of Teachers (AAUP/AFT) at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. https://aaupaft6075.blogspot.com/2016/06/moth-radio-hour-appearance-by-michele.html

Family Michelle married Edward Hejka, on October 20, 1986. The couple had met six weeks earlier on September 5, 1986. Together, she and her husband have parented at least 18 children in their three-bedroom Detroit bungalow, five by adoption, two by birth, some by foster care, and others by mutual consent. Michelle and her husband were presented with the Foster Parent of the Year Award in 1998.

Michelle's oldest son, Sam, has autism. As a consequence Michelle has been active with many autism parents and advocacy groups. Michelle is a former board member of the Wayne County Society of Autistic Citizens (WAYSAC). She is currently on the board of the Michigan Autism Alliance.

State Board of Education Michelle was elected to an eight year term on the Michigan State Board of Education in a statewide race in November of 2012. She ran a a Democrat and earned the highest vote totals of any Board candidate that year. Michelle ran on a platform to defend Public Schools, their teachers, families, and especially their most vulnerable students. She has devoted much of her energy to issues regarding special education and the needs of students and families in areas of concentrated poverty. Michelle currently serves as Board Secretary. https://mielections.us/election/results/12GEN/#09000000

Michelle is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Storyteller Michelle has competed in various Moth Story Slams. She is the 2015 Detroit Moth Grand Slam Champion. Her winning story has also been featured on National Public Radio's Moth Story Hour. Michelle has shared her stories in other story telling venues as well.  Awards 1998 Foster Parent of the Year Spirit of Detroit Award UFCW President's Award

Volunteer Positions Current Board member of the Autism Alliance of Michigan

Board member the Wayne County Society of Autistic Citizens (Former)

References https://mielections.us/election/results/12GEN/#09000000

External links Michelle Fecteau's story about meeting and marrying her husband Michelle Fecteau's winning story at the Moth