Michelle R. Dunham, Manager & Counsel, American Express
Michelle serves as Manager & Counsel within the General Counsel's Office of American Express supporting the Accertify, Inc. business unit. Michelle also plays football in the Women’s National Football Conference (‘WNFC”).
As a seasoned attorney, Michelle has held several senior leadership roles, including Director of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, within publicly traded companies. As a football player, Michelle serves as a skilled player holding down the position as a wide receiver and corner for intramural and professional football teams.
Michelle's practice of law includes drafting and negotiating strategic global technology and intellectual property hosting agreements; and providing advice on matters such as regulatory compliance, protection of intellectual property, and online fraud risks. Michelle currently serves as the Online Gaming and Sports Betting Subject Matter Expert within her organization and was chosen to partner with business experts to lead the efforts of her organization's entry into the iGaming and Sports Betting vertical globally. Michelle accepted this global initiative and was instrumental in moving the initiative from an idea to a successful revenue generating service; boasting the onboarding of some of the biggest names in the industry. Because of the work Michelle has done in this space she has had an opportunity to share her learnings with experts and professionals within the industry most notably serving as a panelist at the American Bar Association Gaming Law Committee's Spring Meeting (A Sure Bet: Essentials and Updates for Legalized Gaming in the United States and Canada), and at the annual Sports Betting Conference hosted by SBC (Navigating the Gray Areas of Online Gaming) Advising Non-Gaming Suppliers / Gaming in Unregulated Markets.
Michelle’s love for the practice of law and experience within the C-Suite has offered Michelle many opportunities to voice her opinion about inequalities and biases against women within corporate America. Michelle is committed to challenging the status quo and breaking the barriers that box women in sports through advocacy for equal opportunities and recognition for female athletes at all levels. Michelle's work does not go unseen; Michelle was the 2023 Recipient of the Orchid Award for Unsung Heroes presented by the nationally recognized organization The Top Ladies of Distinction. The award celebrates female leaders who are empowering the community through leadership and service.
Whether through focused female sports camps, podcasts, mentorship, scholarships, or guidance throughout the transition from high school to college; Michelle’s drive to uphold women’s rights, her love for the law, and for football, have driven her to speak up and speak out in support of female athletes, with the goal to always serve her community as a trusted advisor and professional athlete.
What is your proudest achievement?
Hosting my inaugural All Girls Sports Camp during spring break week this past summer. There were 60 girls, grades 3-8 that were taught hands on skills by professionals within the industry, they learned life skills and were given an opportunity to be highlighted on the podcast "LADIES BALL Too!!!." The All Girls Sports Camp will take place each year during spring break week. It is a dream that I have carried for many years and for the very first camp to be so successful was just amazing.
What is the most influential piece of advice (professional or personal) you have received?
My aunt always reminds me to be "in flow" at all times in life. Her advice on achieving success and abundance is to "be intentional, grateful and open to all possibilities the rest is just an effortless flow."
Where do you see the legal profession in 10+ years?
I hope that we continue to see lawyers leveraging their skills to help underserved communities and effect positive change. I also think that law firm leaders increasingly are expected to be not only skilled practitioners but also display high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy to continue to attract and retain top talent.
What is/are your favorite extracurricular activity/activities?
Playing any sport/Watching my niece play softball.
What is one thing people should know about you but don't?
I am one of few women who can say that they were paid to play American Football
Anything else you would like to share?
"Girls Who Play Sports Become Women Who Lead"
Published August 30, 2023.
