Hello. My name is Michelle Rae, I was born in San Gabriel, California and have lived in Los Angeles all my life. My father is Yaqui and Pima (Akimel O’odham) and my mother is Mexican. I attended Hollywood Performing Arts High School where I studied, acting, voice, dance and stage production. From that, I gained an early interest in the performing arts and a passion for acting.

After high school I got involved with the community and became a Reserve Animal Control Officer for the City of L.A. Department of Animal Regulation. Which consist of enforcing laws pertaining to the humane care and treatment of wild and domestic animals. That's when I realized what a joy it was to work with the public and decided to become a police officer.

As a police communications operator, I attended Rio Hondo Police Academy in Whittier, CA. During 10 months of training, I was given many leadership roles and responsibilities by the tactical staff while maintaining a high academic standard. I graduated in the top 10% of my class, which started out with 61 cadets and on graduation day only 29 completed the program. I have to say, it was a very rewarding experience that gave me a strong work ethic and taught me the true meaning of teamwork and most of all, to never give up. After graduating from the police academy I was hired by the California State University, Pomona Police Department, which made me the first Native American female police officer in the university system. I worked full-time and continued my education at CSU Pomona with a major in Theatre Arts.

After ten years in public safety and law enforcement I decided that it was time for a new career challenge. So now, I am pursuing my first love, the performing arts. I hope to combine my education, career and life experience along with my acting, producing and modeling aspirations. One of my future goals is to produce film, documentaries and television programs with social relevance and an emphasis on culture diversity and education.

So far it's been a great year for me! I recently worked on two independent features films. In one film I play the role of a high stakes poker player. I also played Dulvina, Billy the Kid’s love interest on a Discovery Channel series called "Outlaws of the West". The most recent project was redesigning my official website (www.michellerae.com), and gave it a whole new look. My website has had over 200,000 hits in the past 9 months. I’ve received some very positive and supportive feedback from indigenous people all over the world, including New Zealand and Australia.

I am very grateful to have had the chance to travel and work with some beautiful Native models, producers, actors, designers, photographers and the all-around-talented people in the entertainment business. Growing up in a big city like Los Angeles, it's very easy to get lost along the way and forget your roots. Fortunately, I have my sweet mother to thank because she kept me connected to my Native culture. I am also thankful for my family and all the caring and special friends I have made on this new journey.