Meet Michelle Ngome
Michelle Ngome is an advocate for the empowerment and economic development of minority communities. She is proud of her Cameroon upbringing and believes that is what makes her fierce and resilient during life's challenges.
Michelle lived with each of her parents between Lubbock, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. She moved to Houston two days after her high school graduation. Michelle earned her finance degree at the University of Houston Victoria and a masters in marketing from Full Sail University.
“Growing up my parents wanted me to pursue a career in the medical field. As we were heading into the year 2000 studying computers was an option. However, I ended up with degrees in finance and marketing.”
Michelle worked in finance for seven years before launching her own marketing company Line 25 Consulting, helping organizations with their diversity and inclusion marketing strategies.She admits to the struggles of entrepreneurship before finally finding her footing.
“I wrote my book when I was in a tough place. Like literally down and out back against the wall. I quit my corporate finance job and starting my business was becoming an unexpected failure.I had no idea what I was doing in business. I was like, if I don't do anything else, I need to write a book and I wrote a book on networking. It changed my life. My marketing experience has evolved over time from school, to writing a book, launching a podcast, and of course working with different clients.”
Michelle shares her two proudest moments were writing her first book Network, Navigate & Nurture and forming the African-American Marketing Association (AAMA) to gather Black marketers with resources and opportunities. She testifies that networking has allowed her to remain successful in business:
“I have built my business, personal brand, on networking. I have gained clients and speaking opportunities through my network. With things changing due to the pandemic, I'm very grateful for Leadership Houston. We've had some great class days, phenomenal speakers, and just being able to meet new people and learn from them has been what's been really keeping me. I think that's when I feel the most connected at this time in my life.”
Although her business ventures keep her busy, Michelle finds ways to serve the community. She started as a member with the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals and got involved with other organizations and programs. When did you decide to get involved with community issues?
“I was in my mid-20s when Trayvon Martin passed away, that definitely transformed my life on how I view things. I think as you get older these types of issues and politics become more relevant. The Urban League does a great job on sharing information and resources pertaining to our community, so that’s where I started. As I was personally evolving I was becoming more aware of black issues and I was finding ways to learn more. I believe entrepreneurship and economic development is my main focus.”
Michelle loves Houston, because there are a ton of options. From concerts and all types of festivals. There’s all sorts of food options. Even on the business side, the startup community is thriving; we are known for oil and gas, energy, and healthcare. Like there's something for everybody.
