Victor Michel grew up in Bradenton and now serves his community as a program manager at We Care Manatee. As a nonprofit organization, We Care Manatee helps uninsured, low-income residents connect to free medical care and support services needed to live healthier lives.

“I have been very happy at my job,” said Michel. “I think it’s what I was meant to do.”

We Care Manatee’s clients include Indigenous families, migrant workers and other populations living without health insurance and below the poverty level. The staff provides referrals to contracted volunteer physicians and providers who perform mammograms, lab work and imaging services.

Michel oversees the organization’s Care Connection Manatee program, which coordinates non-medical social services, including clothing, food stamps, Medicaid application and rental assistance. He oversees program enrollment processes, connects with community resources, and conducts outreach, promotional and sponsorship engagement with organizations.

Michel was born in Mexico City and emigrated with his family to the United States. A first-generation college student, he began his studies at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in Bradenton before transferring to the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa.

Several programs supported Michel’s educational journey. He received a Take Stock in Children scholarship in middle school, earned college credits through the International Baccalaureate program during high school, participated in Florida’s Statewide Articulation Agreement 2+2 program and held a student employment position through the State College of Florida Foundation.

Michel appreciates everything and everyone for helping him to pursue his academic goals.

“A huge benefit that I received from State College of Florida was the low cost per credit hour for each class,” he said. “The money (State College of Florida scholarship) helped me hugely with paying for my books, classes and first computer. It saved me a huge amount to continue my education at the University of South Florida.”

Michel started in a summer college program at SCF. On his first day, he wore a suit and tie and carried a briefcase to make a strong impression.

“It was nerve-wracking because it was brand new,” Michel said. “There were not a lot of college students around, and there were not a lot of people to talk to.”

During the summer, he met other first-generation college students who are still his friends today. They toured the campus, learned about resources and spent time together at the student union and gym.

The faculty at SCF inspired Michel to work hard in the classroom and overcome his academic challenges.

“The professors were strict and demanding, but I believe that they influenced me to push forward and stay on track, because there was a period of time when I wanted to do a year gap,” he said. “English is my second language, so I wasn’t proficient in it at that time. My English 101 professor held me back, and I greatly appreciate it because it gave me a lesson learned: to not give up and to move forward in what I wanted to pursue in my career.”

An important person who encouraged Michel throughout his education and life is Herb, his Take Stock in Children mentor. The two bonded through a common connection when they first met in high school. Herb and his family emigrated from Germany to the U.S. after World War II.

“They (Herb and his family) were looking for a better life in the U.S., just like my family did,” Michel said. Herb is an extraordinary man. He’s like a dad to me. He taught me how to put on my first tie and how to get my license. Without him guiding me through my high school and college years, I would never have made it. Because of his influence and guidance, I think I am the man that I am today.”

Michel graduated from SCF with an associate degree in accounting. At USF, he initially studied mechanical engineering before switching to business financing and ultimately graduated with a degree in economics.

After graduating from USF, Michel held various positions in Florida, Texas and California. He worked in banking, construction ownership, nonprofit administration and marketing.

His career pivot came while working at Catholic Charities of Manatee County, where he helped support residents in need. One experience, assisting an elderly Colombian man near the end of his life, reinforced Michel’s calling to nonprofit service.

Outside of work, Michel enjoys music, fitness, beach outings, trying new restaurants and dancing to salsa, merengue, bachata and banda music. He is learning Italian and relearning how to play the guitar.

In the future, Michel hopes to purchase a home for his mom and little brother. He aspires to become an executive director of a nonprofit organization and eventually retire in Italy.