From Addiction to Inspiration: Michelle Berriman’s Journey to Helping Others
From Addiction to Inspiration: Michelle Berriman’s Journey to Helping Others
Poverty, violence, and drug addiction couldn’t keep Michelle Berriman down. Today, she’s a leading figure in the charity sector, giving back to the community. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding spirit to make a difference.
The Early Years: A Life Marked by Struggle
Michelle Berriman’s life story begins in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she was born to working-class parents. Her early years were marked by poverty, violence, and a lack of encouragement. Her father, a promising footballer, saw his career ruined by alcohol, and her parents’ separation left Michelle to often care for her younger sister.
Despite the hardships, Michelle found solace in gymnastics and academics. She dreamed of becoming a doctor, but her parents’ lack of support and belief in her potential led her down a different path. By the age of 12, she was experimenting with drugs and alcohol, a common occurrence in her environment.
The Turning Point: Overcoming Addiction
At 14, Michelle hit rock bottom. Tired of her life, she attempted suicide by swallowing 90 paracetamol tablets. This cry for help led to a week-long hospital stay and six months in a foster home. It was the death of her neighbor from an overdose that served as a wake-up call. Michelle realized she didn’t want to follow that path; she wanted to help others.
Making a Difference: A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Michelle’s journey to helping others began with a buddy program she created to assist young people in navigating life’s challenges. This eventually led to a job with Save the Children, working with Glasgow’s most vulnerable children, and later, training social workers. Her dedication and passion made her the youngest person ever to serve on Scotland’s Children’s Panel.
In 2007, Michelle moved to New Zealand, where she felt at home and able to breathe for the first time. Despite the end of her first marriage, she quickly found her footing in the charity sector, taking on fundraising roles at Massey University and the Child Cancer Foundation. She met her current husband, and together they have a blended family of five children.
Breaking Boundaries: Leading FINZ to Success
In 2018, Michelle was headhunted to save the sinking ship that was FINZ (Fundraising Institute of New Zealand). Despite criticism and doubts about her unconventional appearance and background, Michelle’s determination and unique perspective have been credited with turning around the organization’s fortunes.
Michelle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. From a life marked by addiction and struggle, she has risen to become an inspiration, helping others and making a significant impact in the charity sector.
Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations
While Michelle is proud of her accomplishments, she still has dreams and aspirations. She would love to own a home one day, but for now, she’s focused on her work and family. She’s also proud of her eldest daughter, who recently graduated from Otago University with a degree in genetics and Japanese.
As for her pink mohawk, it’s a symbol of her defiance and determination. It’s a reminder that she’s not your average Kiwi chief executive, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
