Michelle Simon

Michelle Simon is a passionate outdoor enthusiast dedicated to ensuring equitable access to the diverse and expansive outdoor recreation opportunities in New Mexico. She is committed to helping the state’s outdoor economy thrive. Michelle brings over a decade of marketing experience to ORD through various entrepreneurial ventures and her work in the nonprofit sector. She started her career in Chicago, where she earned a BFA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago and founded a photography business that celebrated and brought visibility to the stories of LGBTQ+ families through portraiture.

Now residing in Las Cruces, NM, Michelle spends her time outside of work exploring the mountains via mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, trail running, and volunteering for youth-centered outdoor clubs and nonprofits. She also enjoys gardening, identifying local flora and fauna, and learning about the unique biodiversity and deep history of the Chihuahuan Desert and beyond.