User:CooperMich77/sandbox

Early Life and Education
Michelle Cooper was born on 22 June 1977 and raised in Brisbane, Australia. Growing up in a supportive community, she developed a passion for sports and community involvement from a young age. She attended local schools, where she excelled academically and actively participated in various extracurricular activities, particularly sports. Cooper pursued higher education in business management at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), earning a Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services in 2005. Her academic journey was marked by active participation in student organisation and recognition through various honours and awards.

Career
Early Career and Professional Development (1998 - 2008)

Michelle Cooper initiated her professional journey in the late 1990s, entering the realm of international business development. From November 1998 to June 2008, she served as an International Business Development Manager at the Carter & Spencer Group. She specialised in expanding import/export trade operations across various regions. Cooper played a pivotal role in establishing strategic relationships and overseeing the opening of multiple overseas offices, significantly contributing to the company's global growth and supply chain relationships in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, UAE, China and more.

Membership Manager at Australian Institute of Management (Nov 2008 - Mar 2013)

In November 2008, Cooper assumed the role of Membership Manager at the Australian Institute of Management (AIM). Her responsibilities encompassed the management of attraction, retention, benefits, and events for AIM's professional and corporate members. During her tenure, Cooper revitalised AIM's Networking Pure & Simple event series, turning it into a profitable and highly sought-after program.

General Manager - Membership at Australian Institute of Management (May 2013 - Apr 2014)

Recognised for her leadership capabilities, Cooper was appointed as the General Manager - Membership for the newly merged entity resulting from the consolidation of AIM Qld & NT and AIM NSW & ACT. In this capacity, she focused on enhancing member value across the organisation, overseeing engagement strategies for AIM's diverse membership base.

Head of Strategic Engagement & Membership at Australian Institute of Management (Apr 2014 - Dec 2014)

In April 2014, Cooper transitioned to the role of Head of Strategic Engagement & Membership at AIM, where she managed complex functions related to membership engagement, strategic partnerships, and brand elevation. Notable achievements during this tenure included the creation and implementation of a national mentoring program aimed at fostering professional development and networking opportunities for AIM members.

Founder and Circle Moderator at Lean In Circle (Sep 2014 - Oct 2016)

Driven by her commitment to empowering women, Cooper established the Lean In Circle in Brisbane in September 2014. Serving as the Founder and Circle Moderator, she cultivated a supportive environment for women to develop essential skills and expand their professional networks. The Brisbane chapter of Lean In Circles flourished under her guidance, providing valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration among women.

Founder and Coach at Michelle Cooper Coaching (2008 - Oct 2016)

In 2008, Cooper embarked on the entrepreneurial path, founding Michelle Cooper Coaching—a platform dedicated to facilitating personal and professional growth through coaching, workshops and speaking engagements. Over the course of eight years, she made significant contributions to leadership development, resilience training, and emotional intelligence, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and organisations in Brisbane and beyond.

Additional Projects and Initiatives
Throughout her career, Michelle Cooper has been actively engaged in various speaking engagements, workshops, and events focused on promoting professional development, leadership, and resilience. Notable projects include her involvement in the creation and delivery of public programs on Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in the Workplace for the Australian Institute of Management (AIM). She has also delivered custom-created speaking series across Brisbane and Queensland on topics such as resilience, motivation, and behavioural change.

Professional Affiliations and Board Memberships

Michelle Cooper's extensive involvement in professional associations and board memberships reflects her dedication to advancing industries and communities through leadership, advocacy, and collaboration.

Triathlon Queensland

President at Triathlon Queensland (October 2013 - Present)

As an Independent Director of the Board at Triathlon Queensland, Cooper played a crucial role in supporting the organisation's strategic vision and mission. Her contributions included providing valuable insights, participating in decision-making processes, and aligning initiatives with the organisation's core values of Healthy, Enjoyment, Belonging, and Achievement.

Australian Institute of Management (AIM)

Head of Strategic Engagement & Membership (April 2014 - December 2014)

During her tenure as Head of Strategic Engagement & Membership at AIM, Cooper oversaw complex functions related to member engagement, strategic partnerships, and brand elevation. Notable achievements included the creation and implementation of a national mentoring program and the expansion of the AIM Excellence Awards footprint.

General Manager - Membership (May 2013 - April 2014)

As General Manager - Membership, Cooper focused on enhancing member value across all organisational levels, driving membership acquisition, and retention strategies.

Brisbane City Council Central Business District (CBD) Economic Development Board

Board Member (July 2014 - November 2016)

Cooper's appointment to the CBD Economic Development Board exemplified her dedication to facilitating economic growth and development within Brisbane's central business district. Her insights and contributions contributed to shaping the overarching vision for Brisbane's CBD.

Through her roles in various professional affiliations and board memberships, Michelle Cooper has demonstrated leadership acumen and a commitment to driving positive change within diverse industries and communities.

Public Speaking Engagements and Presentations
Michelle Cooper's expertise and leadership have been widely recognised in various public speaking engagements, presentations and conferences, where she has shared valuable insights on topics ranging from leadership and management to innovation and engagement.

G20 Global Cafe Series - Brisbane

Presenter: "Harnessing Innovation - Breaking Down the Barriers of Engagement" (Year)

As a featured presenter at Brisbane's G20 Global Cafe Series, Michelle Cooper addressed the audience on the topic of "Harnessing Innovation - Breaking Down the Barriers of Engagement." Her presentation emphasised the importance of engaging with young managers, leaders, and professionals to drive positive change within organisations and communities. Cooper's participation in this prestigious event underscored her standing as a thought leader in innovation and organisational development.

Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Events

Guest Speaker: AIM Open House Annual Events

Michelle Cooper was invited as a guest speaker during AIM's Open House annual events, where she shared her insights on various topics related to management, leadership, and professional development. Her engaging presentations inspired audiences to strive for excellence in their respective fields.

Guest Speaker: AIM Graduate School Program on Managing People

Cooper also served as a guest speaker in AIM's Graduate School Program on Managing People, delivering talks on effective management strategies, employee engagement, and talent development. Her expertise in this area contributed to the program's success in preparing future leaders for the challenges of the modern workplace.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Michelle Cooper demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement and philanthropy, actively participating in various initiatives and organisations aimed at making a positive impact on the society

International Women's Day Breakfast Event - Committee Member (2017)

As a committee member of the UN Women National Committee Australia, Michelle Cooper played a key role in managing the logistics, attendance, and marketing of the annual International Women's Day breakfast event in Brisbane. Her efforts contributed to the success of the event, which aimed to celebrate the achievements of women and promote gender equality.

Personal Life
Michelle Cooper's life outside of her professional endeavours is characterised by diverse interests, meaningful connections, and a commitment to personal well-being.

Lean In Circle and Mentoring (2014 - 2016)

As a member and chapter moderator of Brisbane's Lean In Circle , Michelle Cooper dedicated her time and energy to mentoring and supporting women in their personal and professional growth journeys. Through the Lean In Circle, Cooper facilitated meaningful connections, shared insights and provided a safe space for women to explore their ambitions, overcome challenges, and celebrate successes together. Her passion for mentorship and empowerment extends beyond the professional realm, reflecting her genuine commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of others.

Athletic Endeavours and Personal Growth (2008 - Present)

Michelle Cooper's involvement in triathlon not only serves as a source of physical fitness but also as a platform for personal growth and self-discovery. Through the rigours of training, the thrill of competition, and the camaraderie of fellow athletes, Cooper continues to push her boundaries, challenge her limits, and embrace new experiences. Her dedication to the sport reflects her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the racecourse.

Advocacy for Gender Equality and Empowerment (2014 - Present)

As a passionate advocate for gender equality and empowerment, Michelle Cooper channels her energy and influence towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Through her involvement in initiatives like the Lean In Circle and International Women's Day events Cooper champions the rights and aspirations of women, inspiring others to challenge stereotypes, break barriers and pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her personal and professional journey serves as a powerful example of resilience, perseverance, and the trans-formative power of female leadership.

In her personal life, Michelle Cooper embodies the values of resilience, compassion, and integrity, finding fulfilment in her family, athletic pursuits, and advocacy efforts.