Long before tragedy thrust her into the public eye, Michele instilled a culture of service and giving in her home and modeled philanthropy in her everyday life—through her career with Edward Jones, her support of local nonprofits, and her role as a foster parent.

That spirit of service was deeply shared by her daughter, Blair Michaela Shanahan Lane, who at just 11 years old envisioned starting a nonprofit to help foster children in need of essentials—particularly something so simple, yet overlooked: socks. Blair had noticed many foster children arrived without socks of their own, and she was determined to make a difference.

Just weeks after dreaming up this idea, Blair’s young life was tragically cut short on July 4, 2011, when she was struck and killed by a stray bullet from celebratory gunfire. In the face of unimaginable loss, Michele turned her grief into action. She brought her daughter’s vision to life, founding Blair’s Foster Socks, a nonprofit that has since served thousands of vulnerable children locally, nationally, and internationally with comfort, hope, and tangible care.

Driven by her daughter’s memory and mission, Michele also became a tireless advocate for public safety. For 14 years, she fought to pass Blair’s Law, which criminalizes the reckless discharge of firearms within city limits. Her unwavering determination led to its passage in the Missouri General Assembly in 2024—turning her advocacy into lasting policy that will protect countless lives for years to come.

In addition to her nonprofit work and advocacy, Michele founded Under the Awning, a charming gift boutique near Independence Square, where every product sold supports charitable causes. It’s another reflection of her unique ability to pair entrepreneurship with benevolence, creating everyday ways for people to give back.

Michele also helped establish the Blair Michaela Shanahan Lane Memorial Scholarship Fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation, supporting high school students from across the region who have persevered through hardship.

Throughout her journey, Michele has become a sought-after speaker and community voice, advocating for organ donation, public safety, and hope in the face of adversity. She has never stopped giving—whether through socks, scholarships, legislation, or love. Her life is a testament to the power of one woman’s courage to turn pain into purpose, and to ensure that her daughter’s light continues to shine across the world.