Empower Michelle to Continue to Fight for Others!

Michelle Kim Gardner is a name synonymous with resilience, advocacy, and compassion. For the past seven years, Michelle has been a relentless force at UC Irvine, dedicating herself to the fight for student rights. Whether through her hundreds of hours spent organizing with the academic workers’ union, mentoring others, or standing up against systemic inequities, Michelle has always had everyone’s back. Now, she needs ours.

Michelle’s story is one of perseverance. A proud Appalachian and Korean American woman, she has overcome unimaginable hardships: surviving domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. Despite these challenges, Michelle has risen to become a fierce scholar and advocate, channeling her experiences into building inclusive, equitable spaces in academia and beyond.

As a PhD candidate in political theory and critical ethnic studies, Michelle has poured her heart into her research, her teaching, and her community. She has never hesitated to step up for others—whether fighting for fair wages, standing in solidarity with marginalized communities, or simply being the friend who shows up when it matters most.

But now, the system that Michelle has worked so hard to change has placed an incredible burden on her shoulders. Despite not taking classes this past fall quarter, Michelle was required to enroll to finish her dissertation, incurring over $7,000 in fees—money she simply doesn’t have. Without paying these fees, she cannot graduate from UCI, despite having completed all other requirements.

Michelle has also received an extraordinary opportunity to work with her dream advisor at Yale University in the Department of American Studies. This opportunity is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice, but moving across the country to seize it comes with significant financial strain. Between moving costs and securing an apartment, Michelle faces a minimum of $3,000 in upfront expenses—and likely much more as she prepares for this next chapter.

Despite working tirelessly to make ends meet—babysitting, selling her belongings, and applying to every grant she can find—Michelle cannot meet these overwhelming expenses alone. She needs our help.

Why Michelle Deserves Our Support:

Michelle has always put her community first. She has fought for students, stood up for justice, and created spaces where people feel seen and supported. She’s also a loyal friend, a loving wife to her husband Sebastian, and a devoted dog mom to Pebbles, whom she rescued from an abusive household.

Michelle is not just someone who deserves our support—she’s someone who has earned it. Her life has been defined by her commitment to making the world a better, more equitable place, and now it’s our turn to help her continue that work.

How Your Donation Will Help:

Your support will help Michelle:

• Pay the $7,000 in fees required to graduate from UC Irvine.

• Cover at least $3,000 in moving costs to secure an apartment and relocate to Yale.

• Fund her cross-country move so she can begin her dream position and continue her vital work.

Every dollar raised will bring Michelle closer to fulfilling her dreams and allow her to continue the incredible work she’s already doing.

Michelle has always been there for others. Let’s come together now to be there for her. Please donate and share this page with your networks—it truly takes a community. Thank you for helping Michelle take the next step in her journey <3