Love of nature drives Ascendium employee’s volunteerism with wildlife organization

Michiale volunteering at the Burrowing Owl Festival & Wildlife and Environmental Expo

Michiale, a Senior Trainer for Attigo, has been passionate about environmental preservation since childhood, when her grandmother’s enthusiasm for the natural world inspired her own. Today, Michiale channels that enthusiasm into her role as Vice President of the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.

An all-volunteer organization, Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife’s goal “is to preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about Cape Coral’s wildlife resources,” according to its website. Michiale has been volunteering with the organization for almost four years, first as a Festival Director and now as Vice President. “Volunteering for the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in my life,” she said.

As Vice President, Michiale’s responsibilities include scheduling speakers for monthly meetings, chairing the annual Ground Owl Day event, spearheading fundraising activities, recruiting new members, and managing any other needed tasks, such as coordinating volunteer resources for the Burrowing Owl Festival & Wildlife and Environmental Expo.

The festival’s goal is to raise funds for habitat restoration, educational programs, and public awareness campaigns for multiple threatened species, including the burrowing owl. The official bird of Cape Coral, the burrowing owl is not only one of the smallest owl species but also the only one to live underground. Habitat loss and a declining population contribute to its threatened status.

Nearly 4,000 people attended the 2025 festival, which was staffed by approximately 200 volunteers, including Michiale. “I love witnessing both the passion to make a difference and the camaraderie among fellow volunteers,” she said of the experience.

Burrowing owl

The festival featured a silent auction, live animal encounter, children’s activities, food vendors, butterfly house tours, wildlife education speakers and exhibits, and more. “Educating the public about environmental stewardship is so rewarding,” Michiale said. “It’s inspiring to see people’s reaction as they learn about local species and the vital link between their habits and wildlife conservation.” Besides volunteering for the festival, Michiale contributed financially, a donation that Ascendium tripled.

Through its employee giving program Ascendium Cares, Ascendium offers all employees the opportunity to use eight hours of paid time off to volunteer in support of causes they’re passionate about. “As someone who deeply cares about the environment, I enjoy my role as the Vice President of the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife immensely,” Michiale said. “I’m grateful for Ascendium’s VTO [volunteer time off] program, which supports my ability to contribute to the Southwest Florida community in such a meaningful way.”