Profiles

Dr. Michelle Maldonado is the communications and creative director at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, where she leads storytelling, visual design, and digital strategy to connect faith and community. With a background in mass media production, journalism, marketing, and theological communications, Maldonado brings a unique blend of creativity and purpose to crafting campaigns, visual identities, and media that inspire connection and spiritual growth.

Before joining First UMC Lakeland, she served with United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tennessee, leading Rethink Church and storytelling initiatives across the United States and internationally, including communications workshops throughout Africa and Asia.

A proud Puerto Rican, Floridian, and Cajun, Maldonado’s unique upbringing as both a pastor’s kid and a military daughter deeply shaped her love for storytelling, cultural diversity, and faith in action. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling, painting, and spending time with friends and family.