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About Michelle

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Michelle Taylor Ferebee, a lifelong resident of Hampton, Virginia, has dedicated her life to her professional career and community. She is the daughter of the late Wilford Taylor Sr. and Zenobia Taylor and grew up in the East Aberdeen neighborhood.

Michelle is a proud graduate of Bethel High School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The College of William and Mary in Virginia. In 2022, Michelle was appointed to serve a one-year term as a member of Hampton City Council. She then won a special election to serve out the additional two-years for that seat.

Michelle is now running for reelection to a full four-year term.

Michelle had a remarkable more than 42 year career at NASA Langley Research Center before her retirement this year. Michelle received several prestigious awards throughout her tenure, including the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal. Her commitment to education and mentorship has led her to mentor students of all ages, fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Michelle’s life and career exemplify dedication to professional excellence and community service. Her achievements and leadership roles have made a lasting impact on both Hampton and NASA, making her a role model for many.

Michelle is deeply committed to her faith community. She is an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. She has been married for 39 years to Melvin Ferebee, Jr., and together they have three The Ferebeeschildren and eight grandchildren.

Michelle loves to cook and host family and friends for a good meal. She enjoys reading legal thrillers, suspense novels, and non-fiction (autobiographies and biographies) and is always excited to catch a show at the theater or a concert. Michelle and Melvin love a trip to the beach and hope to visit all 50 states. 

  • Current Leadership Roles:
    • Councilmember; Hampton, Virginia City Council
    • Member of Hampton Roads Planning District
    • Member of the Hampton History Museum Board of Directors
    • Member of Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Court #362
    • Member of The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Board of Directors
    • Member of The Links, Incorporated

  • Former Leadership Roles:
    • Chair of the Hampton Economic Development Authority
    • Member and Chair of the Hampton Board of Zoning Appeals
    • President of The Junior League of Hampton Roads
    • Member of the Virginia Living Museum Board of Directors
    • Member of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank Board of Directors

Michelle is a graduate of both the CIVIC Leadership Institute and the Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula. Her leadership and service have been recognized with numerous awards, to include: 

  • Women of Color STEM Award for Corporate Responsibility
  • YWCA “Women of Distinction” Award
  • Hidden Figures Award from the Newport News Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Additional memberships and affiliations include:

  • NAACP: Silver Life Member
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated: Member of the Hampton Alumni Chapter
  • Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated: Lifetime Member
  • Aberdeen Gardens Historic and Civic Association: Member
  • National Technical Association: Member, Hampton Roads Chapter
  • Olde Wythe Neighbothood Association: Member