In this episode of WP Legends, we sat down with Michelle Frechette, the Executive Director of Post Status, a true community builder and one of the most recognized voices in the WordPress ecosystem. From running a nonprofit and freelancing to building platforms that connect and uplift the community, Michelle’s journey is filled with inspiration, authenticity, and heart.
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From Massage Therapy to WordPress
Michelle’s WordPress story began in 2011, long before she became a familiar face in the community. At the time, she was running a massage therapy school and co-founded a nonprofit to support massage therapists in New York. When her friend’s husband, a WordPress developer built their website, Michelle found herself logging into WordPress for the first time.
“I pushed publish and then opened a new tab to see my words live on the internet. That moment changed everything,” she recalls.
That simple click turned into a decade-long journey. She left higher education after 20 years to start her own marketing and web design agency, offering clients not just websites, but complete marketing solutions.
Joining GiveWP and the Birth of Customer Success
After a life transition, Michelle joined GiveWP as their first Customer Success Director, helping users understand and connect with the product beyond support tickets. She played a key role in shaping the customer success culture there, which eventually became part of StellarWP after GiveWP’s acquisition by Liquid Web in 2021.
Her time at StellarWP helped her blend her skills in marketing, outreach, and relationship building skills she continues to use in every role today.
WP Coffee Talk, Underrepresented in Tech, and More
Michelle is the mind and voice behind WP Coffee Talk, a beloved podcast that has interviewed over 100 guests including Matt Mullenweg himself from six continents across 30+ countries.
Her goal? To amplify diverse voices in the WordPress space.
“I’m proud that WP Coffee Talk became a space where everyone felt welcome especially those often underrepresented in our industry,” she says.
She’s also the co-founder of Underrepresented in Tech, a platform that helps connect underrepresented professionals with opportunities in tech, and the creator of WP Career Pages, a directory of WordPress company job pages born out of her desire to make hiring more accessible for everyone during the pandemic.
Building Together: Collaboration Over Competition
From Sponsor Me WP to Speed Networking Online and WP Wiki, Michelle has built multiple community projects many in collaboration with other WordPress leaders.
“I realized I can do more by partnering with people. None of these projects are about making money they’re about giving back to the community,” she says.
Current Work and What’s Next
After being laid off from StellarWP earlier this year, Michelle took a new direction working on contract projects, including with Automattic. She’s currently helping expand their YouTube influencer program, working with creators like Christian Taylor and Yoko Bomb to grow WordPress’s online video presence.
She continues her work with Post Status, where she leads initiatives that highlight companies, contributors, and conversations shaping the WordPress ecosystem.
Excitement About the Future: Blocks, Patterns, and AI
When asked what excites her most about the future of WordPress, Michelle pointed to the block editor and its growing ecosystem.
“I fell in love with the block editor once I really started using it. I’m excited to see how companies innovate around it especially as AI becomes a part of WordPress creation workflows,” she says.
WordCamps and Community: Her True Passion
Michelle’s heart lies in community events especially WordCamps. Her first experience at WordCamp Buffalo turned her into a lifelong advocate.
“I paid $20, learned so much, got lunch, coffee, and made new friends it was the best deal ever,” she laughs.
Since then, she’s attended and spoken at dozens of WordCamps around the world including WordCamp Asia, WordCamp Europe, and WordCamp US every year since its inception.
She even has a few funny travel stories like the time soy sauce spilled all over her backpack at WordCamp Asia. (“Thank goodness my laptop was on the table!”)
Championing Women in WordPress
Michelle is also an outspoken advocate for women in tech and pay equity. Her influence has encouraged many agencies and teams to create more inclusive workplaces.
As she says, “There’s so much brilliance in women across the WordPress community we just need to make sure they’re seen, supported, and celebrated.”
Closing Thoughts
From humble beginnings to leading global WordPress initiatives, Michelle Frechette embodies what makes the WordPress community special collaboration, compassion, and connection.
She’s not just building projects; she’s building people.
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