This month, Hope Community Resources, Inc. proudly celebrates the 40-year anniversary of our Executive Director, Michele Girault, who has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of our organization and improving the lives of people who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Michele’s journey with Hope began in 1984 when she arrived in Alaska from Colorado for what she thought would be a summer job as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Little did she know, that experience would spark a lifelong passion for both Alaska and serving people with disabilities, and she has since devoted four decades to championing people's rights, dignity, inclusion, individuality, self-advocacy, and opportunities to live full, meaningful lives. Her kindness and leadership have broken down barriers and changed people's lives for the better.

Michele’s career has been marked by her belief that small, persistent efforts can lead to big improvements in human dignity and quality of life. Her approach to leadership is rooted in kindness, advocacy, and empowerment, leading to transformative impact on both the organization and our broader community.

Reflecting on her journey, Michele shared, “I have loved being part of the stories of bringing people out of institutional settings into communities of choice, and witnessing the growth and joy in that process. Throughout my career, I have tried to look through a lens of abundance when scarcity is all around us. I have literally 'grown up' with many of the people Hope supports, and these relationships have created a deep commitment to staying the course."

Michele’s influence has inspired countless others within Hope and the broader community to take action for the greater good. Her legacy of courage, kindness, and empowerment has driven others to continue the important work that has defined Hope since its founding in 1968. The profound impact she has made is reflected in the heartfelt words of those who have had the privilege to work alongside her.

Hope’s Board President, Kendra Sticka, emphasized Michele’s role in transforming opportunities for people with disabilities in Alaska, stating, "Michele lives the values of Hope. She always brings the individual being served to the center of every discussion and decision, genuinely and authentically engaging with all parts of the Hope community. Over the past 40 years, she has been a part of a massive cultural shift in the world of disabilities. Her collaborative nature and willingness to always put people first have allowed her impact to stretch beyond Hope and into so many other spaces that improve our community and the lives of people who live within it. As both a board member and a mom of a young adult with intellectual disabilities, I would like to give a huge and heartfelt thank you to Michele for her decades of service in building a better community for those with disabilities."

Mercedes Barbaza, Executive Assistant, said, “Michele’s leadership has set a high standard for operational excellence and professional development, strengthening Hope’s core value of growth and innovation. Her dedication and visionary leadership have shaped Hope’s success and its impact on the community.”

Tom Hiratsuka, CFO, added, “Michele displays both compassion and accountability in her interactions with staff while embodying our core values. Her perpetual optimism and creative problem-solving inspire others to look at challenges differently and strive for positive outcomes.”

Sharayah Talarovich, former Chief Workforce and Risk Officer, said, “Michele cares about people first – always. Her integrity and focus on serving people make her incredibly effective. She’s brave and courageous, willing to challenge the status quo and prioritize our mission above other interests. Her heart for people is what truly sets her apart.”

Joe Sonnier, Board Treasurer, reflected, “Michele’s journey from institutional settings to vibrant community life mirrors her colorful, impactful presence at Hope. Her daily practice of kindness, advocacy, and empowerment has inspired countless others. Her extraordinary magic leaves a lasting imprint on our community and our lives.”

As we celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we extend our gratitude to Michele for her 40 years of commitment, visionary leadership, and impact. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we work toward a future where every person is empowered to live a full, meaningful life.

Hope received the 2023 Governor's Arts and Humanities Award for Arts Business Leadership, an honor recognizing businesses that made a significant impact on the arts in Alaska through financial support, creative initiatives, and programs fostering arts and business partnerships. Hope Studios plays a key role in integrating the arts into the community, engaging employees, and supporting local artists through collaborative efforts. Our team's dedication and contributions create a lasting impact across the state.

This award serves as a testament to the hard work and creativity of our artists and staff. The recognition highlights their commitment to promoting the arts and strengthening community connections throughout Alaska.

The Governor's Arts and Humanities Awards is an annual partnership between the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, and the Office of the Governor to recognize and honor noteworthy contributions to the arts and humanities in Alaska.

Each year, these partners select awardees in several distinct categories, based on nominations submitted by the public.

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Hope Studios – Arts Business Leadership

Hope Studios is a community-based art studio operated by Hope Community Resources. Our Studio provides a welcoming space in Anchorage for Alaskan artists—including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities—to explore, create, and share their talents.

Renowned for its vibrant, unconventional artwork, our Studio fosters inclusive communities and empowers artists. Despite economic challenges, Hope Studios continues to be essential to our mission, impacting local businesses like Fashion Pact and creating stunning murals that celebrate diversity.

Participants in Hope Studios programs experience personal growth, pride, and a sense of belonging. Actively involved in the community, Hope Studios collaborates with schools, nursing homes, and local businesses on various projects. The artists' captivating artwork can be found across Alaska, making Hope Studios a gem in the Anchorage community and beyond, promoting hope and resilience through the arts.

Congratulations to our Hope Studios team, whose collaborative efforts have been impactful across the state. It’s wonderful to have the work of the artists and staff be recognized in this meaningful and impressive way!

We are grateful and proud to receive this honor and for our community's support in making arts and creativity available and accessible to Alaskans who experience disabilities. If you would like to be involved in ensuring this essential program can continue to excel, please consider donating to Hope Studios.