WHO IS MICHELLE YOUNG?

Michelle grew up in central Illinois working in restaurants and bars. Having lived in Chicagoland for the last 35 years, she feels like she should be "grandfathered" in as a true Chicagoan. What is a true Chicagoan anyway, this is up for debate.

Her first love was comfort food. She nearly became a chef as both of her grandparents were chef's. Sadly, she never mastered their amazing fried chicken, though she can cut a whole chicken in under 40 seconds.
 
Ultimately, Michelle's love for cocktails and fine dining led her to focus on her second passion - sales & marketing. She has worked in the hospitality industry throughout her professional career selling software to restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels and spas for the last 25 years. By day she manages a global sales team for a hospitality technology company, but by night she writes stories and comedy. As an empty nester, she is experiencing timelessness.

She started telling stories and performing as a stand-up comic right before Covid. Post pandemic, Michelle has performed at a variety of curated storytelling events throughout Chicagoland. In 2023, she told 12 stories at 12 different events.

Two of her favorite performances this year include telling her story "Lesbians, Raccoons and Meet Ups" with OutSpoken and then telling "My Winningnest Season" story with You're Being Ridiculous at Steppenwolf.

In her spare time, Michelle also co-hosts Do Not Submit Berwyn with fellow storyteller extraordinaire, Errol McLendon. 

Michelle believes in the transformative power of our stories as a way to elevate us, connect us, and express our deepest truth.

​Fast Facts to Get to Know Me
Favorite Travel Destination: Wherever I Just Came From
Food I Could Eat Daily: Pizza
Secret Super Power: Besides Happy Hour and cutting a chicken in 40 seconds? 
Most Stories Ever Told in One Night: Lucky 13