Michele Kayal Vice President, Media and Communications

Michele Kayal is an award-winning journalist who has covered everything from post-Communist Europe to country music cookbooks for the New York Times, Associated Press, NPR and other national outlets. As a “recovering reporter” she now deploys her media and communications skills on behalf of the children served by First Focus and First Focus Campaign for Children.

Before joining First Focus, Michele spent three years leading communications for Relief International, a $100 million humanitarian organization providing refugee assistance in 16 countries. For more on Michele’s background, please visit her LinkedIn profile.  

Resources by Michele Kayal


Statement: Advocate blasts Senate vote on public charge

| May 19, 2023 |

Measure could prevent families from seeking needed care In response to the Senate vote to rescind the Biden Administration’s 2022 public charge rule, First


2023 Agenda for America’s Children promotes health, well-being

| May 9, 2023 |

Experts urge Congress to work for kids First Focus Campaign for Children today released its 2023 Agenda for America’s Children, which outlines the steps the


Statement: Debt Limit Bill would gut children’s health care, food aid, and other programs

| April 26, 2023 |

As the House of Representatives moved toward a vote today to increase the nation’s debt limit in exchange for deep cuts to federal spending


Statement: Eli Lilly insulin cap will benefit children

| March 2, 2023 |

 In response to the announcement by the pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly that it will cap patient costs for insulin at $35, First Focus Campaign for Children


Statement: New refugee protection legislation advances child safety

| December 22, 2022 |

Bill offers “workable, affirmative vision,” advocate says In response to today’s introduction of the Refugee Protection Act, First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley made the following statement:


Statement: Budget bill boosts child care, children’s health

| December 20, 2022 |

Child poverty and other issues to get greater coordination In response to the FY 2023 budget deal reached by Congressional negotiators, First Focus Campaign for


Nearly 300 advocates push Congress to restore improved Child Tax Credit

| December 8, 2022 |

Improved CTC “kept children fed and warm and in their homes” Nearly 300 organizations today urged Congress to lock in tax credits that support


120 lawmakers propelled record investment in children, new scorecard says

| November 3, 2022 |

Scorecard for 117th ranks members’ commitment to children One-hundred-and-twenty members of Congress helped propel record investment in children this year, according to a new


Statement: Fear no longer an obstacle to benefits for children of immigrants

| September 9, 2022 |

In response to the Biden Administration’s release of a final rule on public charge, First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley made the following statement: “We


Statement: Inflation Reduction Act’s climate investments will protect children but Congress must work harder to restore children to the agenda

| August 16, 2022 |

On today’s signing of the Inflation Reduction Act, First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley made the following statement: “We applaud the House