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Michelle Power

Michelle Power
Immediate Past President
CSU Chico​, '92

Michelle is an alumna of California State University, Chico. She graduated with a degree in psychology minoring in human resources. She had a successful career in retail management, working for companies such as Gap Inc. and Williams-Sonoma Inc. She and her husband decided to flex their entrepreneurial skills and returned to Michelle’s hometown, Chico, and purchased a coffee house, Bidwell Perk. She continues to run the café and recently celebrated the business' 20th anniversary, as well as their ownership of the business for the last 10 years. Michelle has a passion for her community and the Chico State campus. She is involved with Omega Nu and other local organizations where she volunteers her time. She served as Vice President, President and Past President for the Chico State Alumni Association and continues to stay involved with the board through her role on the CSU Alumni Council.​

My Story, My CSU

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  • My fondest college memory
    Although I have many fond memories from walking across our beautiful campus, from joining a sorority to my graduation ceremony, my fondest has to be meeting my husband, Gentry. We met our junior year and it was truly a life changing moment. We graduated in 1992, got married, moved to San Francisco and embarked on our careers. Looking back, the time that we had at Chico State together was very special.
  • Favorite Class 
    My first Intro to Human Resource class intrigued me, and was a challenging course which I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. As a psychology major I thought that I was going to continue my education, becoming some type of therapist. But through this course I found an interest in managing, motivating and creating strategy for developing people. This class changed the course of my path after school.
  • My first job out of college 
    I got the position though on-campus interviews in our Career Center (where I was also an Intern for two years). I was hired by the Gap, specifically Gap kids as a management trainee. I will never forget that the recruiter told me that I was high risk, as I had no retail or management experience. Those words stayed with me as I grew my retail management career, working my way up to District Manager for two organizations.
  • My proudest accomplishment
    Owning a successful business and finding ways to grow and connect my business with the Chico community. I’ve recently opened a secondary company and acquired my beer and wine license to expand our business concept. I employ 10+ employees and create an environment where they are empowered and can develop their own business and leadership skills.