Joan Michel serves as local consultant to the Discovery Center. She is managing partner of Profile Partners, a professional services firm based in Baltimore, and has 25 years of experience helping organizations plan and implement strategic initiatives. Joan’s expertise is in creating cross-sector partnerships among government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions – a valuable skill for the Discovery Center. Many of Profile Partners’ past and present engagements include creating pathways to STEM careers and informal science education. Prior to founding her firm, Joan was responsible for leading business management functions for an Army research and development laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Joan’s volunteer activities including serving as vice president of the Havre de Grace Green Team, secretary of Women In Defense, and board member of the University of Maryland Baltimore County Alumni Association, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Joan also received a master’s degree in Organization Development from Penn State University. Joan is the mother of two thriving adult children who live in D.C. and San Diego, and is a long-time sailor, gardener, reader, and classical piano enthusiast.