VCWoman Achieve 2025 Mentor Spotlight – Michelle Mothershed

Posted on January 30, 2025
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Name: Michelle Mothershed | Business/Profession: President & CEO, Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc.

Please share a little about your background, personally and/or professionally.

I am a praying woman of God, a service-connected Army Veteran, and a retired teacher. I’m a proud mother of three—two adult daughters and a son in his senior year of high school—and the loving “Honey” to my first grandchild. Faith, family, and a lifetime of service define who I am, guiding me in everything I do.

Please share more about your current position and place of work. How have you grown professionally/personally in this role?

I run a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc. (CC4V Inc.). Personally and professionally, I’ve experienced profound growth, gaining a clear understanding of my identity and purpose. Embracing every role I’ve held has been an honor, as each has allowed me to impact the communities we serve. I’ve learned to believe in myself, even during times when I felt no one else did. This journey has also taught me to build my own table, creating opportunities for myself instead of waiting for invitations. My most significant leap came as a Mentee through VC Woman Achieve, a role that has shaped and empowered me immensely.

What drew you to being a mentor for an entrepreneurial group curated for non-men? How has being a woman or non-binary individual impacted your professional journey?

My desire to become a Mentor for VC Women Achieve grew from my own transformative experience as a Mentee. Recognizing the great need for nonprofit Mentors, I’m honored to support others on their journeys, knowing we’ll grow together. Being a woman has positively shaped my professional path, allowing me to create space at the table for others who may feel uninvited. When race or gender excludes me from certain tables, I build my own and welcome others.

What are three things you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I desire quality time with family/friends, personal growth and learning, and meaningful travel experiences.

What is your go-to piece of advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to you for guidance?

My go-to advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking guidance from me is to believe in yourself, even when others may not. Embrace resilience, learn from every experience, and create your own opportunities instead of waiting for them. Build your own table when needed, and always leave room for others to join. Stay true to your values, invest in your growth, and remember that each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your purpose.

What is a professional achievement that you are most proud of, and why are you proud of it?

I’m incredibly proud of founding and leading Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc. Building this organization from the ground up has been a rewarding journey, dedicated to serving veterans and those in need. This achievement stands as a testament to the impact we have made with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to building a better tomorrow for those we serve.