Michael Ulibarri

Social Entrepreneur and community builder in Salt Lake City, Utah

Michael background is one of adversity and resilience. Growing up in the Rose Park area of Salt Lake City, Utah, Michael was raised by a single mother who courageously supported nine children on her own. With an absent father and a family history marked by generational gang involvement and incarceration, Michael faced numerous challenges from a young age.

Despite these obstacles, Michael transformed his life. His time incarcerated became a catalyst for change, igniting his journey toward becoming an entrepreneur and community leader upon his release. He emerged not only as a successful small business owner but also as a passionate community activist and justice reform advocate, dedicated to empowering underserved communities.

Michael understands the transformative power of wealth and is committed to teaching underserved communities how to access it. Through the use of digital tools and entrepreneurship, he equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s economy.

Today, Michael is the owner of two social innovation businesses: Narrative Media Agency and Access to Excellence. He also serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Day Won, a community focused on leveraging the lived experiences of justice-impacted individuals to reform the justice system and create opportunities for youth and adults.

Michael’s efforts have been pivotal in forging strategic partnerships, including a notable collaboration between Day Won, Sim Gill, the D.A.'s office, and The Peace-Making Academy to implement peace-making circles. This initiative is reshaping the juvenile justice system. Additionally, he has championed legislative efforts to extend juvenile system protections until the age of 25, aiming to prevent early exposure to the adult system.

Recognized for his impactful community work, Michael has been featured in Utah Business Magazine and numerous podcasts, where he shares his inspiring story. Through his journey, he has learned to leverage his experiences to create positive change and now dedicates himself to teaching others to do the same.