A leader in the fields of philanthropy, nonprofit advocacy, business strategy and public speaking, Michele L. Sullivan is the founder and owner of ML Sullivan LLC, her own company that advises both individuals and businesses on social impact investing. Leveraging the help of public, private and nonprofit corporations, she endeavors to create positive change in society. Over the course of her career, she authored the book “Looking Up” in 2020 and conducted a TED talk on overcoming adversity.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Sullivan served with the Caterpillar Foundation for 30 years, culminating in her position as president of the foundation and the director of corporate social innovation for Caterpillar, Inc. Through her illuminating work, the Caterpillar Foundation rose to become one of the most influential corporate foundations across the world. Notably, under her leadership, the foundation impacted more than 50 million individuals with the aid of various nonprofit partners. Likewise, she has been well-regarded for her expertise in leadership, collaboration, customer support and transformative change in the corporate realm.
To prepare for her career, Ms. Sullivan pursued formal education at Bradley University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management in 1987 and a Master of Business Administration in 1989. She is also a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Outside of her primary vocational endeavors, Ms. Sullivan is a member of the Global Leadership Council for ONE.org, having formerly dedicated her time to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and the Community Workshop and Training Center. Civically engaged as well, she is a supporter of Little People of America, the Boys and Girls Club, and various animal rights organizations.
As a testament to her resounding success, Ms. Sullivan was named among the 50 Most Powerful Women in Philanthropy by Inside Philanthropy and earned the Centurion Medal, Bradley University’s highest honor. She was also recognized in the 40 Under 40 Leaders list in Central Illinois and served as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Living and working by the motto, “Keep looking up because the view is great,” Ms. Sullivan intends to continue advancing in her career in the coming years.