Michelle L. Burke

President, Ohio Marine Trades Association

Education: Master’s degree in bioethics, Case Western Reserve University; bachelor’s degree, Boston College 

If I Could Trade Places With Anyone: Someone seeing Lake Erie from the water for the first time. Experiencing life from the water changes your perspective. You understand the beauty, the scale, the opportunity and the responsibility all at once.

What Motivates Me Right Now: I am motivated by the chance to rebuild pathways into boating, especially for young people and communities that have not always had access to the water.

An Important Lesson I Learned: You cannot wait for perfect conditions to lead. Often, the most meaningful work happens in the face of uncertainty, with incomplete information, competing opinions and limited resources.

A Cleveland Spot I Recommend: The Intercity Yacht Club. Founded by Black boaters who were not always welcomed elsewhere, Intercity is a reminder that access to the water has not always been equal, and that preserving places like this matters. 

If I Could Star in a TV Show or Movie: Somewhere between The West Wing and Parks and Recreation, but set on the Cleveland waterfront. Serious issues, big personalities, public service, occasional chaos and hopefully a few wins along the way.