Known affectionately as “Mama Mish,” Michelle Sheppard is a powerful voice for inclusion and equality. Her lived experience as a transgender woman gives her a unique perspective on the complexities of gender, identity, and belonging in the workplace.
As Inclusion and Diversity Senior Advisor at the Department of Transport and Planning, Michelle applies her insight and leadership to create inclusive, people-focused operational environments.
Michelle’s work is grounded in purpose and impact. She consistently challenges the status quo to improve processes, uplift others, and embed equity in the day-to-day operations of complex operational industries. In 2023, Michelle was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Change Agent and recognised by the Victorian Museum of Women for her outstanding contribution to gender equity.
These accolades reflect her commitment not just to advocacy, but to tangible, real-world progress within operations workplaces and industries.
Nominated for:
- Transforming operational culture within the Department of Transport and Planning by embedding inclusive practices, developing cross-sector action plans, and leading initiatives that improve employee and customer experiences across a large-scale, public-facing organisation.
- Establishing “Bent Transport,” an industry-wide LGBTIQA+ working group, aligning multiple transport agencies around shared diversity goals and structured action plans – demonstrating how collaborative leadership can elevate inclusion across complex operational systems.
- Delivering inclusive policy development to system-wide audits and customer-facing improvements, Michelle’s work drives outcomes that bridge advocacy and operations.
Congratulations Michelle, we are proud to share your story and celebrate you in NAWO’s 100 Women in Operations!