Connecting with Michele Malejki

Michele Malejki is the Global Head of Social Impact for HP and Director of the HP Foundation . At HP Inc. and HP Foundation, she strives to?accelerate digital equity for the organization through business as well as philanthropy.?Michele and her team received the prestigious, inaugural TIME "Team of the Year" award in 2023,?in recognition of their commitment to?accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030?through the Digital Equity Accelerator and other impactful initiatives.?Michele serves on the advisory board for?the HP Foundation, UN Women 's Global Innovation Coalition for Change, the President's Council Of Cornell Women , the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Private Sector Advisory Group, and Save The Children’s Council Action Team Gender Equality.?

How have relationships influenced your professional development and leadership style???

I’ve been fortunate to work across a number of sectors and countries, which has led to new professional relationships as well as friendships. As I’ve learned about others and their diverse experiences, it has helped shape my own leadership style, too. I’m always looking for ways to promote inclusivity, create room for all thought, and spark passion in daily work – these are the principles I try to leverage and exemplify in my leadership today.?

Do you have any tips for maintaining and building strong relationships??

My strongest relationships, both personal and professional, are deeply aligned with my core values. When I think about my partners, they are individuals and organizations committed to being the change they want to see in the world, fueled by a strong work ethic, a team player mentality, and a sense of humor.?

The nonprofit organizations we support through the Digital Equity Accelerator are excellent examples. These organizations use their firsthand knowledge of systemic challenges and essential solutions to drive change in their communities. They are the boots on the ground who have built deep trust and longstanding relationships within the communities they serve. Through the Accelerator, we have the privilege of listening, learning and collaborating with these nonprofits to create lasting solutions together.?????

How have you intentionally built inclusiveness into your circles??

I’ll borrow a simple yet powerful saying my three-year-old son, Emilio, learned at school: “Stop, look, listen.” I find that when we are truly attuned to our surroundings and the people in them, we often find opportunities to expand both our circles and our perspectives.?

What community or communities are you proud to be a part of??

Personally, I’m a proud, native New Yorker and a #BoyMom. I volunteer with several local organizations that support individuals who are neurodiverse and those with other disabilities. Professionally, I’m a member of the President’s Council of Cornell Women, serve on the governance board of the HP Foundation, and provide pro-bono advisory support to a number of nonprofits focused on gender equity.?

Who’s a Connector that's made a difference in your life??

Andrew Youn , Executive Director and Co-Founder of One Acre Fund , has made a great impact on my life. His incredible nonprofit helped me successfully transition from a career in banking to one focused on financial inclusion – and ultimately, the broader dimensions of social impact. It opened the door to invaluable learning experiences and opportunities, which I now can pay forward and share with others in my circle.??

It's an honor to feature inspiring change-makers across industries who share their stories and words of wisdom about how to build meaningful relationships. Catch up on #CONNECTED with our previous guests, including Rena Greifinger , W. Christine Choi , Anisa Kamadoli Costa and more!

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, seasoned communicator and founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships.

Follow Susan on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and order her new book, The Lost Art of Connecting, also available on Kindle and Audiobook.