About Michelle Taylor Willis

Michelle Taylor Willis is the founder of Gagnant Media. A Florida native, she is married with four sons and resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a proud graduate of the University of Florida, and is an award-winning media executive, tv host, author, speaker, and master strategist. 

Michelle recently launched her first book, “Raising Significance: A Guide to Well-Rounded, Independent, and Confident Kids.”  She has appeared on the nationally syndicated Tamron Hall Show on ABC to discuss the book and on the Fox affiliate in Atlanta, as well as being featured in several publications.

Additionally, Michelle is the host of the “According to Michelle '' television show, which is featured weekly via VTV Network through Amazon Fire and Roku platforms. Several episodes of the television show have surpassed several million views and can be viewed through Gagnant Media’s YouTube Channel.  She also broadcasts “Over the Top,” with Michelle Taylor Willis on Real 1100 AM and the Heart radio network.

Michelle is the brainchild of the Moms All In® Conference, a conference centered on instructing entrepreneurial and executive-level women on how to build businesses without sacrificing themselves and their families in the process.  Michelle coined and trademarked SoFu®, a term that represents the eight cities of South Fulton County in Atlanta, created with an effort to re-energize the predominantly Black area.  Her tireless work in SoFu recently earned her a city proclamation declaring February 18th as Michelle Taylor Willis Day, and her entrepreneurial, volunteerism and advocacy efforts got November 18, 2021 as Michelle Taylor Willis Day at the Capitol in Georgia.

Her work with corporations, small businesses and non-profits enables Michelle to be a valued resource in the business community.  Michelle has been recognized as one of the “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlanta,” “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Atlantans,” and has made several “Top 100” lists in the greater Atlanta area. In addition, she has received countless Outstanding Business/Businessperson of the Year awards by various organizations. Her publication, SoFu Lifestyle (formerly South Fulton Lifestyle), has been awarded “Publication of the Year” three times in a row.  

Michelle is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is affiliated with the Black Triathlete Association, Inc. Michelle’s commitment to the community is evident through her partnership with nonprofits in Atlanta, as she serves on the Board of Directors for the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce (Vice President of Film and Entertainment). Additionally she serves as Board Chair of Theatre du Reve Inc., the only French-speaking theater company in North America. A champion for children, Michelle is the Chair of the Advisory Board for the United Way of Greater Atlanta, a board member for Atlanta Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and is the Secretary for the Morris Brown College Foundation board of directors.  She was recently appointed to the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance board of directors.  Michelle is also on the Advisory Council for The National Society of Leadership and Success, Morehouse College Chapter, and serves on the Advisory Boards for the International Career and Business Exchange, Level 42 AI, Inc., and We Solar. She was previously affiliated with The National Association of Professional Women and the Atlanta Medical Group Management Association, Inc. 


Follow Michelle on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @michelletaylorwillis, and Twitter and Clubhouse @michelletwillis.

 

Education

University of Florida
B.S., Advertising, 1996

Activities & Affiliations

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

  • National Association of Black Journalists

  • Atlanta Business League

  • South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, VP Film and Entertainment, Board of Directors

  • Atlanta Aerotropolis Alliance, Board of Directors

  • Atlanta Black Chambers

Community Engagement

  • United Way of Greater Atlanta, Chair, Advisory Board South Fulton

  • Theatre du Reve, Chair, Board of Directors

  • Morris Brown College Foundation, Secretary, Board of Directors

  • Morehouse Chapter National Society of Leadership and Success, Advisory Board

  • Banneker High School Workforce Development Program

  • Atlanta Area Boy Scouts, Southern Crescent Region, Advisory Board and Golden Eagle Table Host (past)

  • i Dare U, Board of Directors (past)

  • Children’s Leadership Outreach Program, Volunteer Reader (past)

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