Michelle Schaefer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m walking a path, but it’s one with plenty of scenic detours. I like to be intentional about the direction I’m headed, but I’m also the type to stop and peek down an interesting side trail if it looks like it might have a great view, a hidden café, or a story worth discovering. For me, the joy comes from balancing purpose with curiosity, so even if the path curves unexpectedly, I’m still moving forward, just with a few extra adventures along the way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the Founder and CEO of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, which I started in 2013 from my dining room table and have grown into a statewide network with four warehouses distributing millions of diapers, period products, and other hygiene essentials each year. Seventy-eight percent of the families we serve are working families, yet they still struggle to afford these basics. We meet everyday needs, respond during disasters, and ensure students have the products they need to stay in school. Our “dignity first” approach blends grassroots energy with statewide reach and reflects my belief that when communities come together, we can redefine what is possible for families.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that making a difference was something only certain people could do, people with special titles, lots of money, or a big platform. I thought impact was reserved for “important” adults. Over time, I learned that change starts exactly where you are, with what you have, and that leadership is more about showing up consistently than about having a certain role or status. That shift has shaped how I live and work, and it is why I believe so strongly in empowering others to see their own influence.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that you do not have to be perfect to be powerful. You do not have to know everything to succeed. The real strength comes from surrounding yourself with people whose skills and knowledge complement your own, and from being willing to learn as you go. Leadership is not about having all the answers, it is about creating space for others to bring their best and building something stronger together.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is dignity. Whether it is in how we serve families, work with partners, or support our team, dignity is non-negotiable. It means creating an environment where every person feels respected, heard, and valued, no matter their circumstances. When dignity is at the center, trust grows, collaboration thrives, and the impact we make is deeper and longer lasting.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I used whatever time and resources I had to make life better for others, and that I did it with compassion, courage, and persistence. I hope they remember that I believed in the power of community, that I worked to break down barriers, and that I left things just a little better than I found them. Most of all, I hope they say I made people feel seen and valued, and that I inspired them to believe they could make a difference too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ncdiaperbank.org
- Instagram: nc_diaperbank
- Linkedin: DiaperBankOfNorthCarolina
- Twitter: DiaperBankNC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiaperBankOfNorthCarolina
