Michele Kirkham, one of the National Leaders Collective’s (NLC) leaders of the month, is a Students for Life of America (SFLA), Thaddeus Stevens Fellow attending Creekside High School in St. John’s, Florida. Learn more about Kirkham’s activism below.  

I joined the pro-life movement because so many women and families are being lied to by the abortion lobby. There are such dark and twisted things happening in the abortion industry that cannot be ignored any longer. I want to help women choose life and know she is not alone. 

This year, I have grown as a leader through not only SFLA, but also as a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter vice president. I love planning events and meeting new people through both organizations. I am in the Thaddeus Stevens program this year because I wanted to learn from others in the movement. It has been such a blessing to make friends all over the country. From east coast to west coast, I have like-minded friends all over. 

This month, we held our first official meeting as a group. We began with a prayer vigil for 9/11, which also included prayers for the Kirk family and others affected by recent tragedies. In a time when our nation feels increasingly divided, coming together in community felt truly necessary. 

Our interest meeting was a success, and during our second gathering, we launched our semester project: a civic letter-writing drive. From October through November, we’ll be writing letters to Florida politicians, urging them to protect the sanctity of life and letting them know that students at Creekside are unapologetically pro-life. 

I’ve genuinely loved growing as a leader through the fellowship and learning from leaders across the country. This experience has shown me how powerful it is to be part of something bigger than yourself. Through inspiring speakers, insightful books, and guidance from my mentor, I’ve gained valuable knowledge that I’ve applied not only to our club but to many areas of my life. 

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is how much calmer I am under pressure. When people who disagree with me approach our tabling events—even when they’re unkind—I’m excited to engage in conversation. As a leader, I now feel confident sharing both my faith and my pro-life convictions. 

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