Michele Pollard Patrick
Michele Pollard Patrick knows what it takes to earn a seat at the table. She has spent the last five decades helping to develop and improve the corporate workforce into successful executives. As Founder of National Protocol and Co-Founder of Owens Patrick Leadership Seminars, Michele focuses on soft skill development, including business and cross-cultural etiquette, emotional intelligence, and body language. In more than 30 years as a protocol and etiquette consultant, Michele has trained future leaders across industries from companies like Bank of America, GE, and ExxonMobil.
In addition to her corporate experience, Michele works with colleges and universities to prepare students to transition into the professional world. She offers domestic and international dining etiquette programs and networking and interviewing skills training to graduate and undergraduate students from Harvard University, Georgetown University, Duke University, University of Maryland, and several other universities across the country. Her academic trainings give students both the knowledge and the confidence they need to enter and succeed in the workforce.
As a certified protocol officer, a position she has held for more than 20 years, Michele has consulted for government agencies on the proper procedures and practices for hosting foreign dignitaries. Under the George W. Bush administration, she welcomed the Chinese cabinet for the Chinese SED II visit and supported the G7 meeting in Washington, D.C. Her work as a protocol officer extends to the Ryder Cup where she offered her advice on ceremony and flag placement.
Michele is a graduate of the Body Language Institute and has earned her Master Trainer designation from the Protocol School of Washington. She is a Co-Sponsor of Capital Cotillion and serves on the judging panel for Distinguished Young Women of Maryland. Her dynamic presentation skills earned her a spot in the TEDX Wilmington rotation.
Ms. Patrick joined Capital Cotillion in 2004. She is also handles parent communication for the program.
and Registrar for Capital Cotillion. Active in the Washington, DC community, she supports her alma mater, Holton-Arms School as past President of the Alumnae Board and past member of the Board of Trustees. She lends her hand and talents as a volunteer, member or participant to numerous organizations locally and nationally. She has two daughters and two rescue dogs.
Michael Rye
Capital Cotillion is fortunate to share the talents of our dance instructor, Michael Rye. As a former Australian Dance Champion, Mr. Rye brings his teaching skills, extraordinary dance talents and Australian humor to the ballroom, much to the enjoyment of our students. Along with his dance partner, Mr. Rye teaches traditional ballroom, and contemporary dance steps to our students. He was the founder and owner of Dance Bethesda offering group and individual instruction. Mr. Rye and select students from Dance Bethesda regularly competed and medaled in dance competitions at the national level.
Our Dance Assistants and Staff
Capital Cotillion enhances its staff with the talents of 5 certified school teachers and young professionals. Their experience with elementary and middle schoolers expands the learning opportunities for our students. In addition, they ensure that each Capital Cotillion participant finds a dance partner, is treated with respect, and has a positive experience on the Capital Cotillion dance floor.