By Patricia Hudson
It was at one of my first Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce luncheons that I first met Michelle. Ebulliently greeting each guest, her bubbly personality and wide smile were infectious, and immediately put me at ease in an unfamiliar setting. As the luncheon progressed, I watched with some amusement as this bundle of energy darted around the room, delivering door prizes and stopping momentarily to share a few words and a laugh at several tables. When I discovered that this Chamber Ambassador was also Founder and President of a non-profit, I wanted to know more about Michelle Becker.
Where did you grow up?
“Coming from a Military family, I spent two to three years in many different places while I grew up. My father retired from the Air Force in Omaha, Nebraska, so when people ask this question, I answer by saying I spent my most important years in Omaha.”
Where did you receive your education?
“I earned my PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Memphis, (UM), in 2000. Growing up, I always wondered how animals communicated their needs and wants. Thinking it was a good idea, and having no regard for earning a real income, I pursued my degree with the desire to understand the evolution of communication in primates. It was an honor and privilege to work with a colony of nocturnal Small-Eared Bush Babies, a very primitive primate, or prosimian. The communication between mother and infant was through a series of clicks and growls, and I recorded, analyzed and wrote about their patterns of communication. Why is that important? Because it gives evolutionary scientists a clue about the mechanisms within the vocal tract that are present or absent that lead to physical talking. My favorite part of my education was teaching and mentoring students destined for greatness as new scientists and/or educators.”
Married, with children?
“I am married to Kent Sessions. We have a 14-year-old daughter, Bailey. We have a collection of four-legged family members: four cats, (due to foster failure, as we wanted to keep them), two guinea pigs, and our 1-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Winston.”
Let’s talk about your new career path.
“After leaving the scientific world, I decided to sell jewelry for a direct sales company. After closing their doors, I started my own company in 2017, handcrafting jewelry. Thus, Ruth Pataine Jewelry was born. I took metalsmithing classes to learn how to form metal for jewelry designs. Currently, I am working toward becoming a jewelry appraiser through classes offered by the Gemological Institute of America, (GIA). My workshop and studio is nearby, on Mueschke Road.”
Each of us has something in our lives about which we are most passionate. What is your passion, Michelle?
“I am most passionate about my raising my daughter to be a successful and compassionate woman. We are active in National Charity League for the opportunity to develop a deeper bond by volunteering in our community together. The organization teaches her about leadership, philanthropy, and culture.
I am the Founder and President of Shots for Holly, a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) charity organization. Following the death of my friend Holly from flu-related complications in 2014, it was apparent that her story needed to be heard. Our main mission is to educate the public about the dangers of the flu and the importance of getting a flu vaccine. You may see our 1973 Purple Volkswagen Bus Mascot cruising throughout Cypress and surrounding areas, raising awareness. We attend numerous health fairs, community events, and hold fundraisers to pay for operating costs and shots for people in need.
To date, we have raised over $70,000 to pay for flu shots, maintain our Mascot Bus, and cover appearance fees. We have facilitated well over 1,000 flu shots by partnering with Walgreens and Christus Healthy Living Mobile Clinics. Each year, we receive more requests to conduct flu shot clinics at businesses throughout the community. This fall, we will be holding a much larger clinic for Cypress Assistance Ministries than in previous years. More non-profits that help people in our community will be added to our schedule in late summer.”
What is your role in the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce?
“The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce is my second family. I serve as an ambassador to teach new and existing business owners the value of being a member of the Chamber. I earned the Ambassador of the Year award for 2017.”
Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Vice-President, Paula Harvey, speaks highly of Becker. “It only takes one Chamber meeting to get to know her, as Michelle never meets a stranger and is sincerely interested in those around her. She has a strong passion for her non-profit, and is always looking for business partners and promoting them along the way. She is a jewel to have in the Chamber.”
What do you do to relax?
“Honestly, my Zen location is my studio where I craft my jewelry. When I close the door, look at the different metals, stones, gems, and tools, I immediately relax. I often lose track of time while working on a piece of complicated jewelry. I guess the Scientist in me continues to thrive on challenges rather than beach vacations.”
When did you move to Fairfield?
“Kent, Bailey, and I moved to Fairfield in May, 2019. We wanted a home with more space and a huge yard for a pool and a dog. Our dream house came up for sale in the Estates section, and without Kent even seeing it, I started the process for buying it. He loved it! Fairfield offers so many diverse amenities for families of all types. Being close to the freeway, shopping, and restaurants, we immediately knew we were home.”
