Michelle J. Velasquez recently transitioned out of government service after a distinguished 16-year career as a federal law enforcement officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A dedicated wife to Martin Arteaga and proud mother of four—Marty, Izan, Joe, and Adaleah—Michelle’s career was defined by leadership, integrity, and meaningful impact.
Throughout her tenure, she served in a variety of critical roles, including the Currency Team, Border Security Team, and Airport Operations. She also held liaison assignments with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Narcotics Team and the DHS Fusion Center Crime Prevention Information Center (CPIC). In addition to her operational duties, Michelle contributed to workforce development through her work with the CBP Workforce Team, mentored youth through the CBP Explorers program, and championed inclusion as Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
Her passion for mentorship and continuous development was demonstrated through her work as a certified Field Training Officer and Course Development Instructor at the CBP Academy, where she played a critical role in shaping the future of federal law enforcement. Michelle also holds a Traumas of Law Enforcement certification from Care of Police Survivors (COPS), further underscoring her commitment to supporting officers both in the field and beyond.
Throughout her career, Michelle earned multiple prestigious honors, including the Commissioner’s Unit Citation Award, Major Campaign/Strategic Planning DEA/CBP U.S. Interdiction Coordinator Award, Chicago Police Joint Operations Award, CBP Advisor of the Year, and the Intergovernmental Outstanding Law Enforcement Team Award by the Federal Executive Board.
After leaving federal service, Michelle redirected her leadership skills toward financial empowerment by founding Virtuous Wealth Building, a coaching and training firm aimed at transforming the financial lives of Latina women. As a certified Financial Master Coach Trainer, author, speaker, and facilitator for the Worklife Training Institute, she inspires others to break free from financial limitations and build generational wealth.
She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Loyola University Chicago and has since completed numerous professional programs, including the Metropolitan Leadership Institute (MLI), LULAC Latina Entrepreneur Academy, Andrew Holmes Real Estate Mastery, Apartment Investor Mastery (AIM), Financial Coaching Master Trainer, Financial Coaching Academy, Unleash the Power Within Her Tony Robbins Women’s Cohort, and multiple cohorts through the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC).
Michelle added “author” to her growing list of accomplishments with the release of her debut children’s book, Spending for Chiquis’ Birthday Surprise, 9 Steps to Achieve a Millionaire Mindset, Clarity is Power: Know Your Numbers, Own Your Power, and co-authoring Latinas in Finance. She is also an active real estate investor, continuing to diversify her income streams and teach others how to do the same.
Michelle currently serves as the Director of Sponsorship for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) – Chicago Chapter, is a member of Chicago Latina Magazine, and is a proud sister of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority.
Fueled by her belief in lifelong learning and the power of education, Michelle remains dedicated to empowering Latina women to dream boldly, pursue financial freedom, and create legacies of abundance—for themselves and their communities.
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