On this episode of Beyond the Bottom Line, Sean Littman sits down with Sherroma Scurry Graves, Founder and Executive Director of The Michelle Project, to talk about inclusive education, collaboration, and community-rooted leadership.
Based in the greater Houston area, The Michelle Project creates educational programs inspired by holidays and observances, designed to ensure that children and families feel seen, valued, and supported. Named in honor of Sherrom’s late aunt, an educator, the organization is grounded in a deep belief that education and access to resources can create lasting change.
In this conversation, Sherrom shares how the organization evolved from a high school vision into a ten-year nonprofit serving families through strategic partnerships, thoughtful programming, and a strong commitment to inclusivity.
The Michelle Project is a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive educational programs for children and families. Originally founded in 2016 and rebranded in 2023, the organization was established in honor of Sherrom Scurry Graves’ late aunt, Michelle Ford, an educator whose legacy continues to inspire its mission.
Through partnerships with institutions like the Harris County Library System and other grassroots organizations, The Michelle Project delivers programs that integrate literacy, early readiness, and access to community resources. The organization prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that children of all abilities — including neurodivergent youth — feel welcomed and supported, and that families leave each program with tangible resources and renewed connection.
