New Member of the Month: January 2020
Meet New Member, Michelle Perchuk!
Michelle is a Career & Business Coach who is passionate about helping recent college grads and professionals under 30 make excellent career and startup choices. She has a background in recruitment and even wrote a book! In her spare time, she is an avid arts-patron and joined as an official member of the Women of Culture community in November of 2019. Read more about her, and meet her at an upcoming event…
1. Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from, where did you go to school, what do you do, how long have you been in NYC — all the basics :)
I grew up in Brooklyn and went to NYU. I am a quintessential New Yorker. I love the city and it’s people and I am always excited about the opportunities that are here. My life has three chapters so far. The first was working in corporate and selling technology solutions to the financial companies on Wall Street. That was a tremendous learning experience and was very rewarding. The next chapter was as founder of a boutique recruiting firm. For 8 years I ran a company in NYC, which was exhilarating and exciting.
My current chapter is full of insights and all about empowering others. As a career coach, I inspire people and guide them how to become the person they always dreamed to be. I especially enjoy working with young women and recent college grads and help them navigate through our amazing city as they build their career and life here. I love to help and inspire people.
2. What does art mean to you and what do you like about it?
Art to me is all about the dialogue a person has with the world. It’s about perspective and adding meaning. But most of all it’s about gaining insight and seeing something with a new perspective. Art is like coaching to me. One person sees a piece of artwork and it means something completely different. The meaning we add depends on the dialogue we have with the world. Then someone comes along and says something else about the same art work and you start seeing different possibilities. My passion for art is very deep I am a collector and have strong relationships with several galleries. Undoubtedly being part of the art scene has helped me become the person I am today. When I had my own company I would sponsor many events and meet a lot of new business contacts at galleries. I even gave an art talk about that last year.
3. What is your favorite art form and why?
My favorite art form is Impressionism. I admire that group of artists because they had the courage to break away and create something so beautiful. They struggled to give the world beauty and sacrificed so much. I also enjoy learning about the modern and contemporary art movements because it’s so new to me and I am a life long learner. I have visited art fairs around the world from Miami to Hong Kong.
4. What do you love most about NYC? Any favorite spots or activities?
I absolutely love the charm of NYC. I love the west village and Gramercy Park. I love the Guggenheim and Metropolitan museums. I love the opera and often visit the Met for exceptional performances. I am passionate about Broadway musicals and try to see most of them.
5. Why did you decide to join Women of Culture and what excites you most about the community?
I love empowering women by sharing my knowledge and expertise. I also love to learn from others and listen about their journeys. I enjoy building friendships and having fun with women who share my interests. NYC is a huge city with so many people but yet it’s hard to build relationships. I decided to join this group because the last event I attended I realized it was a gem, and I felt exhilarated and inspired by the ladies I met. I look forward to a new year filled with many friendships and great times together. Happy new year!!!!