Michelle Hollinger – a Florida State University alumna (B.S. Sociology ‘85) – has spent four decades building a career around strengthening communities through personal empowerment, from her early work in social services to the newsroom to her current role as founder and Chief Worthiness Officer of The Institute for Worthy Living.
After graduating from FSU, Hollinger began her career as a social worker and director of a family empowerment program before taking on new challenges in journalism. She became a respected editor of two prominent South Florida newspapers, published her own magazine, and then delved further into the world of human behavior and worthiness by writing several books.
Since then, she has taken on her current role as Founder and Chief Worthiness Officer of The Institute for Worthy Living and has created several digital applications focused on the topic. “The Worthiness Sanctuary” and “The Worthy Entrepreneur” are two of her multifaceted digital platforms, along with her newest application, “Calling All Allies,” which offers users a private space to reflect on their consciousness and personal values and how they want to show up for others.
“Sociology fueled a deep desire to understand the human dynamic, especially an interest in comprehending the dynamics that inform behavior,” Hollinger said. “It has become increasingly clear to me that my life’s journey, personally and professionally, was influenced by my sociology education in so many ways.”
During her time at FSU, Hollinger was especially inspired by courses like Black Psychology with Dr. Na’im Akbar and Interpersonal Communication with Dr. Sandra Williams Rackley. Both courses helped Hollinger on her path of self-discovery and showed her the strength of allyship.
“I would advise students interested in sociology to approach the subject with an open mind, recognizing its expansive reach and relevance to a wide variety of career paths,” Hollinger said. “Combining sociology with other passions provides a mutually beneficial outcome.”
Moving forward, Hollinger plans to relaunch her magazine later this year as she continues to grow The Institute for Worthy Living. She’s also made reconnection with FSU a personal priority, starting with her commitment to supporting the Deeb Scholarship, which helped her during her own time as a student. In addition, she will be releasing a book titled “Calling All Allies: Seven Principles that Transform Allyship from Guilt-ridden and Awkward to an Authentic Expression of Who You Truly Are,” on July 4th, the country’s 250th birthday.
For more information on the Department of Sociology, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/sociology.