Michelle Zapata

Michelle Zapata currently serves as the Labor Relations Manager at Avista since June 2025. Prior to this role, Michelle worked at UC Irvine Health from February 2017 to May 2025 as an HR Generalist, where responsibilities included managing employee relations, advising on HR policies, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Previous experience includes roles at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center as both a Human Resources Generalist and Employee Relations Specialist, and as a Human Resources Manager at BDG Dental Services. Additional early career roles include positions at kate spade new york, Rhino Real Estate, and Lending Channel. Michelle Zapata holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Western Washington University and has pursued further education at the University of California, Irvine.