Michele Hagans

Our next Women’s History Month installment features Reverend Dr. Michele Hagans, President of Fort Lincoln New Town Corporation, Inc. and Fort Lincoln Realty Company, Inc. 

Michele is deeply involved in civic and community organizations throughout the Washington, D.C. region and is a retired Episcopal priest and serves as Canon Emeritus of the Diocese of Washington. She sits on the Boards of numerous organizations including HEROES, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the Federal City Council; and she currently serves as the President of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association. She serves on the executive council of The Links, Incorporated and on the boards of trustees of Howard University, Tugaloo College, and the Virginia Theological Seminary. Michele’s long-time commitment to civic and volunteer organizations and her success as an entrepreneur have earned her honors and awards from many organizations in the region.

A life-long Episcopalian and native Washingtonian, Michele Hagans is committed to her role in creating physical and spiritual environments that serve to nurture individuals, families, and communities. When asked to explain her life’s work, she says, “I don’t build houses; I create communities.”  

Michele first discovered Dress For Success when the Capitol City D.C. chapter of The Links, one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations for women of color, hosted a professional women’s clothing drive. She also has volunteered at a Donation Day event Michele is a longtime admirer of Dress For Success and considers the organization one of the most integral entities supporting women re-entering the workforce.

Read on for Michele’s advice to women in the professional world!

What’s your biggest piece of advice for women in the workforce?

Whether you’re just entering the workforce or already have a career, you must always remember that women are expected to do everything for everybody – but you can’t do anything for anybody if you haven’t taken care of yourself. Always remember that you are as important as everyone else in your life. Eat well, rest well, and take the time to unwind, relax, and refresh. It’s hard to take your mind off the everyday stresses of life, but you can only help if you have already taken care of yourself first. If you’re not at your best, then it’s very difficult to do your best and to be your best.