Michelle Ray

Blackwell HR

Michelle Ray is the CEO and Founder of Blackwell HR, a nationally recognized HR and payroll consulting firm serving small to mid-size businesses and nonprofits across the United States. Since founding Blackwell HR, Michelle has grown the firm to a team of 25 HR professionals and built a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in the HR community. Michelle's thought leadership spans HR strategy, organizational effectiveness, workforce compliance, and the future of work for small businesses. She is passionate about leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs and business leaders who deserve the same caliber of HR expertise as the largest organizations in the world. Michelle serves as State Director of the Delaware SHRM State Council, is a member of the SHRM Executive Network, a Forbes HR Council member, and a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumna. She has been honored as an Enterprising Women of the Year award recipient and named to the Entreprenista 100. When she is not advising clients, Michelle is training for the 2026 Great World Race, completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

How to Actually Read Your P&L (And What to Look For)

A practical guide to turning your profit and loss statement into a real decision-making tool.

Finance
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5/16/2026
Type

What I'd Tell My Pre-Kids Founder Self About Scaling

Growth looks different on the other side of motherhood. These founders share what they wish they'd known earlier about scaling, sustainability, and the village that makes it all possible.

5/8/2026
Type

The Systems That Make My Business Work as a Mom

Forget hustle culture. These mom-founders built intentional systems like time-blocked calendars to outsourced meal prep, that let them lead their businesses and show up for their families.

5/8/2026
Type

What Founders Really Pay Themselves at Every Stage

A transparent look at founder compensation and how it actually evolves as your business grows.

Finance
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4/16/2026
Type
Grants
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4/1/2026
Type
Grants
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3/1/2026
Type
Grants
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2/1/2026
Type

5 Ways Community Can Be Your Greatest Visibility Strategy

Discover 5 ways community can become your most powerful visibility strategy and help women founders grow their brand, credibility, and opportunities.

Community
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1/31/2026
Type
Business Strategy
Grants
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1/1/2026
Type
Grants
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12/1/2025
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Grants
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11/1/2025
Type
Marketing
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2/3/2025
Type
Business Strategy

Why Your Personal Brand is Your Greatest Business Asset

Discover how personal branding can transform your business journey from Stephanie Cartin, co-founder of Socialfly and Entreprenista.

Business Strategy
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12/19/2024
Type
Marketing
Business Strategy
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10/18/2023
Type

The Decision I Would Undo If I Could

Staying invisible too long. Waiting for outside permission that was never coming. These founders share the decisions they'd undo and what finally changed because of them.

Business Strategy
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Type

Built Together: Mother-Daughter Duos Redefining What It Means to Scale a Business

These mother-daughter co-founder pairs are proof that some of the most powerful business partnerships start at the kitchen table.

Life & Wellness
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Type