Michelle Lee Kim
Michelle is a champion for the rare disease and bleeding disorder communities. As Executive Director of the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California (2015-2022), she launched over 10 programs, including leadership initiatives for youth, and earned the title of Businesswoman of the Year for Non-Profits in 2019. She also helped create the largest Spanish-speaking bleeding disorders conference, Familia de Sangre, and developed legal resources for patients, covering areas like school advocacy, trusts, and immigration.
Michelle co-authored the article “Lived experience experts: A name created by us for us”, advocating for the inclusion of patient and caregiver voices in research. Her personal commitment stems from her 20 years of caring for her daughter, who was diagnosed with five rare diseases, until her passing in March 2024.
Previously, Michelle worked as a mergers and acquisitions attorney at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and founded the Asylum Project. She also clerked for federal judges, including Hon. Evan J. Wallach. Recently, she transitioned to the entertainment industry as COO of Deep C Digital, a film distribution company. Michelle resides in Southern California with her husband and two sons, one of whom has severe hemophilia A. She enjoys pickleball, fishing, and traveling.
