The beautiful Michelle Annette Avan (born Miller) graced the earth on June 11, 1973.  She was raised by her parents, William Miller Sr., and Elouise Miller. Michelle met and married her high school sweetheart, Henry Avan; from their twenty-seven-year union, they had two children, Trevon (Tre) and Nyah (Nyah Boo), who were the center of her world and whom she adored. Michelle was a dedicated mother first and foremost; she treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She was always supportive of their extracurricular activities, from spending her weekends at youth track & field events with Trevon or high school cheer activities with Nyah.  While Michelle enjoyed her role as a "sports mom," she encouraged and held strict expectations in her children's educational achievements.  She taught them perseverance through life's challenges and to pursue their goals with excellence.

 

The other most important person in Michelle's life was her only granddaughter, Alaeya, whom she loved and cherished. Michelle loved her new role as a proud grandmother and took every opportunity to dote on Alaeya when possible. 

 

Michelle had a vibrant personality and always made people around her laugh and smile. She made friends everywhere she went. Those who knew Michelle had the pleasure of knowing how caring and giving of a person she was.  She had endless compassion and kindness for everyone, especially those whom she loved including her parents, siblings, her former brother and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends whom she warmly referred to as her "sister-friends."

 

In addition to Michelle's commitment to her family, she had an exemplary career. Michelle's career in the financial services industry spanned over 25 years. She was a trailblazer and one of the most highly respected businesswomen across the industry.

Michelle began her financial services career in 1994 with Morgan Stanley before quickly rising in the ranks to an Account Executive. She joined Merrill Lynch in 1998, as a Client Associate, before advancing to Managing Director, Division Supervisor Executive in 2015, where she oversaw regulatory financial and reputation risk on a global level. In June 2021, Michelle was promoted to Senior Vice President Bank of America, Head of Global Women's, Under-represented Talent Strategy, where she was responsible for recruiting women and underrepresented talent globally.  

 

Michelle also received numerous district acknowledgments including the President's Award Greater Los Angeles, Chamber of Commerce, Community Service Award, and was a "We See You" Awards Honoree from the International Black Women's Public Policy Institute. She was selected as one of the Black Enterprises Most Powerful Women in Business and was featured in the July 2017 issue of Essence Magazine in “Women Leading in Work series.” In addition, she supported various community outreach organizations.

 

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and several Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) licenses. Michelle created an environment that allowed her to work continually on enhancing client relationships, building teams, and mentoring others in both the corporate world and the private sector. Michelle had a rare combination of someone who had a love for life and a firm understanding of what was important; Michelle's life knew no limitations, and she was a Beacon of Light. She was committed to giving back to communities and serving as a role model. Her passion included empowering women, those underrepresented and working with young people to help them realize their full potential through higher education, determination, and drive. Michelle worked with a Servant's Heart; her mantra was "To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required." 

 

Michelle was a great example of a Phenomenal Woman with a firm foundation in Family, Kindness, and Humanitarianism. Michelle's legacy will live on through the lives she touched.

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