Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle.
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In Latin America, storytelling isn’t just a trend, it’s our nature. It’s how we make sense of chaos, how we sell, how we connect. My mom was a publicist running campaigns that lit up the city. I was the kid in the backseat, listening to strategy meetings and watching concepts turn into headlines. Before I even knew the term brand voice, I was soaking it in.
At 17, like most of us, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. But I did know I had something to say. So I followed the breadcrumbs: journalism. It taught me that every message worth sharing needs to answer what I now call the Power 5: What, Who, Where, How, and Why. Those five questions are my North Star. wWhether I’m writing a campaign pitch or coaching someone to own the room.
Now? I’m a bilingual communication strategist fluent in English, Spanish, and human behavior. I specialize in the Hispanic market, but what I really do is bring purpose to the forefront. I help brands speak across cultures and generations, without losing their soul.
Because in the end, great communication isn’t just about looking good. It’s about meaning something.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“You Want to Be a What?”
How can you truly enjoy something if you didn’t have to fight for it? That’s what my career feels like, earned, not handed.
Choosing journalism at 17 wasn’t exactly the popular choice. “So… you want to be a starving artist?” people would say, half-joking, fully doubting. Later, when I moved to the U.S. at 23, alone and chasing the same dream, the doubt only got louder. “Why not nursing? Or engineering? You’re an immigrant, you need something secure.”
But here’s what most people don’t get: communication is power. It shapes perceptions, moves people, and drives change. The problem is, it’s so woven into everything that its value gets overlooked, until it’s done right. That’s the catch. That’s the challenge. It doesn’t scream. It whispers. And only a few of us are crazy enough to hear it.
It hasn’t been easy. It’s hard to “prove” your worth in a world obsessed with hard skills and quick returns. But once the right people get it—once they see what strategic storytelling can do—there’s no going back. You’re not just a nice-to-have. You’re the glue, the compass, the spark.
And that’s been my fuel all along. Let them underestimate it. I’ll show them why it is an asset.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
From “I Have an Idea” to “Here’s the Strategy”
People come to me thinking they need a PR plan, a social media calendar, or maybe a shiny marketing push. What they really need is clarity. What are we saying? Why does it matter? Who needs to hear it? And most importantly, how does this actually help your business grow?
That’s where I come in.
I specialize in strategic translation. Not just English to Spanish and vice versa, but translating ideas into action. I take a client’s puzzling goals, overwhelmed thoughts, and scattered to-dos and turn them into a roadmap with clear messaging, strong positioning, and powerful storytelling.
What sets me apart? I’m obsessed with the big picture and the fine print. I zoom out to understand your mission, then zoom in to craft the exact words, visuals, and campaigns that get results. Strategy can feel abstract to many, but for me, it’s muscle memory. I make it tangible, and I make it work.
What I’m most proud of is helping clients finally feel seen, not just by their audience, but by themselves. When your message is clear, confident, and rooted in emotion, people don’t just listen, they believe.
That’s the magic I bring. Strategic vision that makes people pay attention.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
A Few Things That Guide Everything I Do
Curiosity. I ask the uncomfortable questions because surface-level answers don’t build great strategies.
Reputation. Because how people speak about you when you’re not in the room is what we build together.
Education. Not just formal learning, but constant growth. I believe knowledge multiplies when it’s shared.
Confidence. I help ideas stand tall: loud, clear, and unapologetic.
Excellence. Good isn’t enough. If we’re working together, we’re aiming higher. Always.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michellesthefany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesthefany/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellesthefanype%C3%B1alver/
Image Credits
Leslie Gabaldon Photography
Amanda Ron Photography
