Michelle Sullivan

Most of my career has been focused on creating cool products, digital experiences and smart media that kids love and parents trust. Right now, I'm a Kids Development Executive with Amazon Studios where I develop shows for Amazon Video that encourage kids to be curious and "view & do." Prior, I worked at National Geographic Kids and AOL building digital products, websites, short-form videos that (again) helped spark their natural curiosity & excitement around learning.

Learning. Authenticity. Creativity. Spending time with people I love and who inspire me! :) I try to find ways to integrate all into my daily life. I am a feminist. I'm beyond excited to vote for a female presidential candidate! As someone who works in children’s media, I’m passionate about helping tear down some of the gender play stereotypes we’ve created and challenge myself to help stories that reflect real-life kids in a positive way.

What if... we could empower kids with 21st century skills through hands-on experiential learning... and make it FUN? So that when asked, who is a leader?, every single kid's hand would go up.

I'm a proud daughter, loyal sister and most of the little ones in my life consider me the coolest auntie ever. Aunt Sully! I have lived in three cities so far--Omaha, Nebraska; Los Angeles, California; and Washington, D.C. and my heart still lives in all three. “You can have roots and wings” as the line in that Reese Witherspoon movie, Sweet Home Alabama says. Though it was an emotional decision to leave D.C., I knew I had to embrace my gut telling me it was time for change. I created Project Sunshine – a name I dubbed for my goal to move back to the West Coast and set out to make it happen. Taking a giant leap of faith, I quit my job with Nat Geo, said goodbye to dear colleagues and friends and embarked on the best soul-searching, life-rattling, cross-country solo road trip. I listened to talk radio, Husker football games and lots of Wilco, stopped at places I had always wanted to see (Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum, Oklahoma City, The Big Texan Steak Ranch on Route 66,) couch surfed with friends like I was still in my 20s, saw the sun rise over the Grand Canyon and made it to Malibu, California where I put my toes in the sand and watched the sun set. What followed was the opportunity to take a 4-month break from work to recalibrate and discover what could be next. One that I’m so grateful for! Now, I’m in a great new job, doing something I’ve never done before and learning every day. I’ve discovered resilience, determination and joy in taking more control of my life – ironically, by letting go and seeing what’s out here to explore.

Cartwheels!