Michelle Barsa serves as a principal at Omidyar Network. In this role, she leads work at the intersection of belonging and technology, with a particular focus on generative AI.   

Prior to joining Omidyar Network, Michelle was as a program director at Beyond Conflict, where she developed and led initiatives focused on democratic legitimacy and movement building throughout the United States. Michelle has extensive experience working to counter violent extremism, holding senior advisory positions at USAID, the US Department of Homeland Security, and Equal Access International. As a director at the DC-based social impact nonprofit Inclusive Security, she advised on US foreign policy related to women, peace, and security, and trained hundreds of women across Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Libya, and Nigeria to develop policy-focused advocacy strategies. Michelle has also worked to promote equitable labor practices for Latino immigrants. Michelle currently serves as co-chair of the Council of Directors for the Trust for Civic Life. 

Michelle received a master’s degree from The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College, where she studied finance and philosophy.