This story is part of our March 2026 issue. To read the print version, click here.
The future economy of the Capital Region will not be built by
accident. It will be built because people choose to lead boldly,
to see possibilities where others see risk and to take chances
when the stakes feel uncomfortably high. The courage to build the
future for lasting generations doesn’t always come easy: “Without
risk, there’s no reward.”
Every transformative moment in our nation’s history, and even in
our own California state capital, has required someone to step up
and have the courage to lead boldly. Courage is something I
deeply admire in leaders, and I aim to instill these values in my
own life, work and leadership. After living in 10 different
states, embracing diverse cultures and continually pushing myself
to grow in work and leadership, what once felt like the
impossible ultimately paid off — proving that resilience,
adaptability and courage are always worth it in the long run.
Even in the early days of my career, moving by myself with one
suitcase and a moving box, traveling state by state, thousands of
miles every time for a new job was nerve-wracking. But
ultimately, I had the courage to be bold.
Bold leadership is not reckless. Vision is not daydreaming. Real
leadership is the discipline of imagining a future that does not
yet exist and then doing the hard, unpopular work of rallying a
community behind you — defying the odds when people cast doubt.
Visionaries who refuse to think small and not let anyone stand in
the way are the ones who create lasting change. We need more
defiant and fearless leaders in the Capital Region and to not let
age, gender or inequities define us. As a female leader, it’s
important to me to always support other women because I did not
always have the same support. Mentorship creates pathways where
there were once barriers, helping women see themselves in
positions of influence, equipping them with the confidence and
the skill sets needed to succeed. Currently, I have a
predominantly women-led team, and I take that responsibility
seriously as I mentor them into the future.
When I first arrived in the Sacramento region, I was often the
only female in the room. I got the opportunity of a lifetime,
which sparked my passion for economic development and community,
when I worked at the Greater Sacramento Economic Council in a
predominantly male industry. I was fortunate enough to have a
mentor who brought me into rooms as a female leader, where others
would not have made the same decision. This is why I always make
a point to do the same for other women.
The power of risk is how big ideas reshape economies. And one
opportunity where I said “yes” is now going to forever change
Sacramento State and the region’s economy. There were many days I
doubted being so bold and days when I wanted to throw in the
towel. The one thing that kept me going was having the courage to
change a community and economy, even if it’s something that has
never been done before. The voices of my parents, repeatedly in
my ear, telling me at a young age, “Michelle, life is hard and
difficult, but you must have the courage to fight and go out into
the world and do it. Take the road less traveled.” If not for my
family, the countless business and community leaders in my corner
and the champions behind the scenes, the outcome may have been
completely different.
Michelle Willard is chief of external relations and interim
senior associate vice president for university communications at
Sacramento State. (Courtesy photo)
Sacramento State University, where I work
as chief of external relations and interim senior associate vice
president for university communications, is now embarking on the
largest-ever university-led economic development project in the
capital of California.
The development project on Capitol Mall, arguably the largest of
its kind in an urban core nationwide, is a multi-billion-dollar
endeavor. This is a first for Sacramento, up to 5 million square
feet of mixed-use development focused on training the next
generation of leaders.
Universities are the backbone of our economy, providing the
workforce engine of our future and driving industry forward. What
better location is there in which to educate and inspire than
right next to the state Capitol of the fourth-largest economy in
the world? In college, I gained invaluable hands-on experience
and the opportunity to become a news anchor on our local PBS
station five days a week, immersing myself in every facet of
journalism. Without that chance, I would never have begun my
career as a news anchor at just 21 years of age. I want the same
opportunity for our students.
Thanks to a private sector industry partner, Meta, providing $50
million in catalyst funding towards the downtown project, we can
now move forward. This university development is a true public
and private partnership. Thanks to the Department of General
Services, the state’s real estate arm, we are working towards
transforming Capitol Mall with a university focus. This project
will take strong leadership and community rallying together, no
matter the obstacles.
I deeply believe that the Capital Region’s future economy will be
built by people willing to take chances, people who understand
that progress demands change and that vision only matters if we
are brave enough to pursue it. We are fortunate to have a
forward-thinking university president, my own boss, Dr. Luke
Wood. He has been the leader who let me take those risks and
chances, along with countless business and elected leaders who
encouraged me.
To the Capital Region: Dream bigger, be bolder and take
courageous action because that’s what it takes to change a city,
region, state and economy. Build what others won’t. Take the leap
that changes everything because when big bets pay off, you have
changed the future. It’s what our community deserves, and it’s
what we need to be successful for lasting generations.
If we want a future defined by opportunity, resilience and shared
prosperity, we must be willing to bet on ourselves.
Michelle Willard is chief of external relations and interim
senior associate vice president for university communications at
Sacramento State, where she leads government relations, economic
development, marketing and communications. She was a Comstock’s
2024 Women in Leadership honoree.
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