After securing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Business Administration from Washington & Jefferson College, Michele Niklaus served two years as a buyer and manager with JCPenney. She went on to work for 16 years as a sales executive and business owner in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. While employed as a senior consultant at Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Michele Niklaus returned to the academic arena to secure her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Ms. Niklaus transitioned to the nonprofit sector in the early 2010s. She has performed a range of fundraising and administrative roles with the Columbus Catholic Women's Conference (CCWC) since 2011 and currently serves as the Co-Director. For the past two years, Michele Niklaus has also been volunteering with Mommies Matter, an organization that helps new and expectant single mothers in critical situations. She has completed administrative work for Mommies Matter and hosts baby showers for expectant mothers.