Mikelange “Mike” Olbel is a South Florida nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, land developer, and community leader whose career has been dedicated to strengthening families, expanding economic opportunity, and building stronger communities.
Born and raised in Pompano Beach to Haitian immigrant parents, Mike experienced poverty and homelessness as a child. Inspired by his parents' work ethic and perseverance, he turned those early challenges into motivation to build a life centered on leadership, entrepreneurship, and service.
As President and CEO of Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI), Mike transformed an organization facing a $60,000 deficit and potential closure into a multimillion-dollar regional organization. Under his leadership, CBCI's annual budget grew from approximately $600,000 to more than $5.1 million, its workforce expanded from one full-time employee to more than 70 full- and part-time professionals, and the organization now serves more than 6,000 children and families annually.
His accomplishments have earned recognition as one of South Florida's Most Powerful and Influential Business Leaders, 211 Nonprofit Leader of the Year, recognition for Collective Impact for Youth, and the University of Dubuque's 2023 Service to Community Award.
From childhood homelessness to leading a multimillion-dollar organization and developing pathways to homeownership, Mike's journey reflects his belief that strong families, successful businesses, economic opportunity, and thriving communities are interconnected. He continues to bring the public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors together to create sustainable opportunities for families and communities throughout South Florida.
