U of A Public Policy Alumna Named to Forbes 50 Over 50 List

Michele Wise Wright, a doctoral alumna of the U of A interdisciplinary program in public policy, was named a 2026 Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact honoree, recognizing her lifelong work to advance health equity and advocate for patients from historically undeserved communities.

Forbes 50 Over 50 highlights women across the United States who are doing some of their most ambitious and influential work after age 50. The honorees span categories including lifestyle, impact, innovation and investment and include Jennifer Garner, CEO Carly Fiorina and XPRIZE Foundation CEO and private astronaut Anousheh Ansari.

Wise Wright was recognized for her work cofounding the National Organization of African Americans with Cystic Fibrosis, which works to address gaps in cystic fibrosis awareness, diagnosis and care among communities of color. The organization seeks to create resources, such as the Wright Cystic Fibrosis Screening Tool, that helps clinicians identify overlooked symptoms earlier.

"I am especially humbled to join a remarkable 2026 class that includes accomplished women who are leaders and changemakers," Wise Wright said. "This recognition is particularly meaningful because so much of my most consequential work began after the age of 50. I hope this moment serves as a reminder that experience can become purpose, purpose can become impact, and there is no age limit on making a difference."

Wise Wright earned her doctoral degree in public policy from the U of A, an education which helped launch a multifaceted career that has spanned work in both the private and nonprofit sectors.

In addition to developing the Wright Cystic Fibrosis Screening Tool, she established an annual BIPOC rare disease conference and lecture series and founded the My Water Buddy and My Learning Buddy "edutainment" platforms. Additionally, she served as the writer, director and executive producer of the multiple award-winning short film 54 Years Late: The Terry Wright Story, a film documenting her husband's health struggles and his late diagnosis of cystic fibrosis at the age of 54. She also serves as director of business development and outreach for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.

She also has led numerous health-related nonprofit organizations, including serving as CEO of the Greater Ozarks-Arkansas Region branch of the American Red Cross and founding the National Organization of African Americans with Cystic Fibrosis.

"As I celebrate this extraordinary milestone, I am especially proud to acknowledge the University of Arkansas and the important role it has played in my journey," she said. "I remain profoundly grateful for the education, mentorship, opportunities, relationships and foundation I received at the University of Arkansas. The lessons and experiences I gained there helped shape my commitment to leadership, service, innovation, perseverance and creating meaningful change."

The Forbes recognition is but the latest in a long line of accolades for Wise Wright. She was named the 2022 USA Today Woman of the Year for Arkansas and a 2023 AARP Purpose Prize Fellow. In 2022, she and her husband made history as the first persons of color to receive the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Arkansas Chapter's annual Breath of Life Award, the organization's highest award. Additionally, she earned the 2024 King Kennedy Awards' Irma Hunter Brown Women's Leadership Award and the 2024 Golden Torch Award for Lifetime Achievement during the National Society of Black Engineers 50th Convention, in addition to the University of Tennessee's 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award.