Michele Shepard

Based in TICAS’ Washington, D.C., office, Michele works on federal policy issues related to higher education access, affordability, and success. Her work focuses on strengthening the Pell Grant program, improving the student loan system, and building a pathway to a debt-free, high-quality degree for all students. Prior to joining TICAS, Michele worked as the director of external affairs and communications for Education Finance Council (EFC), where she advocated for increased investments in grant aid, college access programs, and student-centered improvements to higher education financing and student loan repayment. Before EFC, Michele worked for the American Battlefield Trust, where she developed and implemented successful federal and state-based advocacy and communications campaigns related to historic preservation. Michele has a B.A. in history from Gettysburg College.