Michele Jawando Steps Into CEO Role at Omidyar Network
Civil rights attorney Michele Jawando has been promoted to chief executive officer of Omidyar Network. The philanthropic technology organization announced the leadership change on March 11. Jawando, who previously served as president, will officially begin her new role next month.
The organization was founded by Pierre Omidyar, the billionaire entrepreneur behind eBay. Under Jawando’s leadership, the group plans to push for a more inclusive approach to the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.
Jawando said her mission is to make sure more people have a voice in how AI is built and used. She believes the technology should empower communities rather than make people feel powerless.
“I just want people to feel agency and power in this moment,” Jawando said. “I hate the fact that most people feel like this technology is happening to them.”
A Vision for More Inclusive Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is shaping industries across the world. However, Jawando argues that the decisions guiding the technology are often made by a small group of companies.
As CEO, she plans to help broaden participation in the conversation around AI policy and development. Her goal is to ensure that diverse voices, including workers and community leaders, help shape the rules of the AI era.
“Our focus will be making sure that there is a much more diverse set of views and people and coalitions shaping the opportunities and rules for the AI era,” Jawando said.
She also believes stronger governance is needed. According to Jawando, the responsible use of AI should not depend only on individual companies. Instead, it should involve public policies and shared accountability.
Jawando’s Background in Civil Rights and Technology Policy
Jawando brings a unique background to the role. Before joining Omidyar Network, she worked as a civil rights lawyer and policy expert focused on issues such as technology, democracy, and economic opportunity.
She also spent time at Google, where she led public policy partnerships and worked with organizations on technology-related initiatives. That experience gave her a close look at how tech companies shape policies and innovation.
Now she will lead one of the best-funded organizations working to influence the direction of artificial intelligence beyond the traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Her experience across law, technology, and advocacy positions her to bridge the gap between tech leaders and everyday communities.
Expanding AI Initiatives and Building New Partnerships
In recent years, Omidyar Network has expanded its focus on artificial intelligence. The organization launched a $30 million generative AI portfolio to address what leaders see as major gaps in how philanthropy engages with emerging technology.
Jawando’s leadership will also build on broader collaborations across the philanthropic sector. She previously helped co-chair a coalition that committed $500 million to AI projects focused on the public good.
Outgoing CEO Mike Kubzansky praised Jawando for her ability to bring people together and grow partnerships.
“She rarely jumps to the oppositional card first,” Kubzansky said. “She finds new partners for us and she brings people along.”
Because of that approach, Jawando has already helped attract support from organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation and the Lumina Foundation.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform society, Jawando says her focus will remain clear: making sure the future of technology reflects the voices and needs of everyday people.
