Michele Lawrence Jawando, A distinguished Hampton alumna, Attorney Michele Lawrence Jawando brings a dynamic career spanning technology, the law, public policy and advocacy, bringing a wealth of experience to the Board. Currently, Jawando stands at the forefront of social impact as the senior vice president and head of global programs at Omidyar Network (ON). A philanthropic organization with a bold mission to bend the arc of the digital revolution toward shared power, prosperity, and possibility. ON has committed more than $1.94 billion to initiatives that share its transformative vision. Her impactful journey includes pivotal roles at Google, and as General Counsel and Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Gregory Meeks. 

Jawando has been a force behind initiatives that bridge economic opportunity, push the boundaries of what’s possible in social change, and empower underrepresented voices. With her background in legal advocacy, technology, and public policy, she will be instrumental in guiding Hampton’s strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening stakeholder engagement, helping drive technological innovation and building lasting partnerships across government, corporations, civil society and more. 

Jawando holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Law and a B.A. in English, Pre-Law from Hampton University. She also serves on several boards, including the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, Higher Heights for America and In Our Own Voice, organizations dedicated to empowering Black women’s leadership and advocacy.