This past year, Michele Mallette Sherman stepped down from Prison Performing Arts’ Board of Directors after more than a decade of service. We could not be more grateful for all that she and her husband Jim did for the organization throughout those years.
Michele first learned about PPA through a friend who was attending a gathering to listen to Ira Glass’ “This American Life” episode about PPA. She was curious and wanted to hear more about the organization. Soon after that, she had lunch with the then-president of the board who recruited her. She instantly fell in love with the organization, its mission and work.
Her daughter Claire shared that her mom was profoundly moved by every single PPA program she attended. Michele remembers being struck by the first performance she ever saw - a production of Hamlet, which she said was “life-changing” to witness.
“The high level of commitment and skill she sees among all of the participants and the dedicated staff are what keep her engaged and devoted to supporting the organization,” said Claire. “She has, and will continue to be, steadfast in striving to share how special PPA is with others. Truly, she’s one of the organization’s most loyal fans.”
Michele is a Chicago gal and a diehard Cubs fan; a theater major and lover of the arts; an amazing trivia player; and cherishes spending time with her husband of 37 years, Jim, her daughter, Claire, daughter in law, Carla and grandson, Linus (to whom she’s “Gran”).
Thank you, Michele, for loving PPA and justice-involved artists so freely. You and Jim will always be an important part of the PPA family!
