Michelle Velazquez, MPP

Michelle Velazquez serves as the VAWA Transfer Manager at The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence in Chicago. In this role, she supports the implementation of the SAFE pilot program, designed to help survivors in DOH-funded housing safely relocate under the Violence Against Women Act.

Michelle brings experience in advancing equity and justice at the intersection of data, advocacy, and direct service. She has led initiatives focused on pretrial reform, immigrant rights, and community safety, including overseeing data strategy and legal advocacy at the Chicago Community Bond Fund and ramping up a violence intervention initiative at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. Her work spans grassroots organizing, systems-level coordination, and policy implementation. Michelle’s cross-sector approach is grounded in a deep commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and driving structural change. She recently earned a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.