About Michelle
Michelle Corrao is a keynote speaker and compassionate advocate for victims of violent crimes. For eighteen years she served at Prevail, a victim awareness and support program, where she led the charge to create Central Indiana’s first Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), focused on victim-centered, trauma-informed care.
She is the recipient of the Special Courage Award, presented by the U.S. Attorney General (2010), and became the first-ever recipient of the Distinguished Hoosier Award presented by the Indiana Attorney General.
Through Michelle’s current role as Executive Director at The O’Connor House in Carmel, Indiana, she leads programs that provide women who are single, pregnant and homeless with safe housing and opportunities to improve life for themselves and their children.
Michelle speaks to audiences of influencers, first responders, medical professionals, military and law enforcement personnel, faith communities and a broad scope of events aimed at creating stronger, safer communities.
“With every victim, I will remember Michelle’s words.”
September 12, 1996 my life as I knew it was changed forever.
As I was approaching home after a long day’s work, I noticed three men walking down the street. Something about this was suspicious so I decided to drive around the block and when I returned to my house, they were gone.
I parked my car, grabbed my things and walked up to my door. In an instant, I was struck on the head and knocked to the ground. I raised my head to feel the blood running down my face and a voice threatening to kill me if I screamed as a gun was pushed into my face. I was scared for my life, my pleas to leave me and take my belongings ignored. Unable to escape and feeling terrified and alone, my only hope was to pray for my life and for those that I love, hoping that I would see them again.
It has been a tough journey but my faith and family have given me the strength to overcome. It is now my mission to share my story with groups, organizations and businesses to share sexual assault awareness and to help others who have been victimized.
If you would like me to share my story of hope with your group or organization, please see my Public Speaking page and contact me today.
