About this episode
Our guest today is Michelle Renee Hiatt, Executive Show Director at the American Quilter’s Society. Michelle story is a remarkable blend of professional achievements and creative passion. Raised in South Jersey by her single mom and grandmother, Michelle is one of five siblings. After earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing, followed by a master’s in technology from Rutgers, she became a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and built a stellar 30-year career managing operations and process improvement for major organizations like Trump Casinos, Reed Elsevier, Dow Jones, and Moody’s, as well as consulting for technology firms and NYU. Quilting entered her life as a side passion, but her talent for designing and teaching quilting quickly gained traction. She created her own pattern line and taught at shows, retreats, and guilds across the U.S. In 2023, Michelle embraced a new chapter as Executive Show Director at AQS, where she works to inspire quilters of all generations. Key Moments in the Episode: (2:20) How Michelle's grandmother inspired her love of sewing. (3:46) The first thing Michelle ever made. (4:23) Growing up with the unique influence of her mom and grandmother. (5:57) Highlights from Michelle’s corporate career, including leading a critical COVID project at NYU. (12:46) Balancing a full-time career, frequent relocations, and building her quilting legacy. (19:24) Becoming Executive Show Director at AQS—Michelle shares the journey. (22:09) The scale and impact of her role at AQS. (24:25) Michelle’s initiatives to engage the next generation of quilters. (27:04) Surprises during her first months at AQS: “As fabulous as I expected it to be!” (28:33) Exciting changes and innovations under Michelle’s leadership. (32:17) Involvement with Sew on the Go and Studio 180, and what they represent. (35:25) Twice a year, Michelle hosts a Mystery Quilt series—an event you don’t want to miss! (38:03) Learn more about Michelle’s mystery quilts at sewonthego.net . (38:33) What’s next for Michelle, and her ultimate dream. (39:22) Michelle’s parting message: “I’m a quilter first and foremost, just like the community I serve.” (40:28) To connect with Michelle, visit AmericanQuilter.com or sewonthego.net . Be sure to subscribe to, review and rate this podcast on your favorite platform…and visit our website sewandsopodcast.com for more information about today’s and all of our Guests.