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Michale Gabriel

Board Member

Michale Gabriel is Founder/CEO of Story by Design.  She is an award-winning storyteller, international speaker, author, workshop facilitator, storytelling guide, and leadership coach, founder of Storytell International, the Young Storytellers for Peace US/USSR Exchange program, and the Storytelling Residency Program at Seattle Children’s Hospital. 

For the past 38 years, Michale has worked with corporate, governmental, non-profit, educational and entrepreneurial leaders worldwide including The Boeing Company(US and India), helping thousands of leaders to effectively craft and deliver their messages for the purpose of building trust, resonance and alignment to a common vision and purpose.   

A third generation Alaskan, Michale resided in Washington State for 40 years before moving to Costa Rica 9 years ago.  Immediately, Michale investigated how she could be of service and contribute. She served on the non-profit Board of the Women’s Club of Costa Rica for 6 years and was president for two. Under her leadership, the Club doubled their fundraising support for university scholarships as well as for providing schoolbooks for children in rural and indigenous areas. She also serves as a consultant to Animales de Asis Sanctuario, a no kill animal shelter in Heredia.  

Michale’s touchstone is the quote from Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has."