Michelle Zhang was born and raised in Sichuan, China, and spent part of her childhood in the Northwest region of Xinjiang. She obtained an advanced degree in law at Sichuan University and practiced law for 10 years. In 2013 she cofounded Juheng Law Firm (now SGLA Law Firm), which is one of the fastest-growing law firms in China according to 2023 ALB (Asian Legal Business). In 2015, she was one of only six legal professionals selected from China to participate in the premier exchange program of the United States Department of State, the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP).

Michelle is active in the LGBTQ community in China, advising and contributing to multiple grassroots organizations across China and she works to increase LGBTQ visibility and acceptance among the Chinese immigrant community in the US. She collected and curated content from LGBTQ groups across China for Global Pride 2020.

After noticing a disconnect between Chinese immigrants and other diverse members and groups within our society here in the US, Michelle became interested in placemaking and bridge-building across a range of communities. She established Society of Heart’s Delight in 2020 with a mission to bridge this divide and create a stronger sense of belonging among Chinese immigrants.

Michelle is also passionate about civic engagement and working to uphold the values of a free, open, and democratic society. In 2022 she was selected by the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI) to participate in their leadership training program.

Michelle lives in San Jose and enjoys traveling, attending various local arts and political functions, and experiencing all that the beautiful Bay Area region has to offer.