Michelle Freeman
Founder & CEO
Michelle has worked in marketing and events in Greater Philadelphia since she was an undergrad in Drexel University. In 2008, she began operating her own agency, Witty Gritty, which focuses on marketing strategy, community engagement, and full-scale event production.
As a lifelong resident, Michelle is strongly committed to Philadelphia. She dedicates much of her work and focus to projects that highlight economic and urban development in neighborhoods and across sectors. She serves as publisher of Flying Kite Media, a weekly online publication that highlights underreported stories of regional growth, emerging companies, and development news. Michelle also sits on the board of Franklin's Paine Skatepark Fund, an organization that works to strengthen communities and empower youth by advocating for skaters and skateboarding culture. She was named one of Drexel University's "40 Under 40" in 2015 and a top “Keeper and Connector” by Leadership Philadelphia in 2014. She was also identified as an Emerging Leader by the Philly DoGooder Awards in 2013 and received the Emerging Leader Award from the Forum of Executive Women in 2011.
Michelle is also an amateur musician and DJ, as the bass guitarist and lead singer of grrrl punk band, Thee Glitterbombs. In her spare time, she enjoys karaoke, beer and spending time with her trio of cats.