Michele L. Jawando is the Head of Progressive Engagement and Strategic Partnership Counsel for Google. Previously, she was the Vice President for Legal Progress at the Center for American Progress.
Before the Center, she served as general counsel and senior advisor to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), where she was responsible for a wide-ranging portfolio of policy issues. As a member of Sen. Gillibrand’s senior staff, she was responsible for leading some of the office’s landmark work, including the passage of the 9/11 health bill; the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Elena Kagan; and Sen. Gillibrand’s trailblazing work on military and campus sexual assault.
Michele has a rich background in politics and public policy and has demonstrated lifelong commitment to public service, working tirelessly for a wide range of social justice issues. Aside from her efforts to ensure a full and functioning judiciary, Michele’s passion is protecting and securing voting rights for all citizens.
Prior to working for Sen. Gillibrand, Michele served as the national campaign manager for election protection and legislative counsel at People For the American Way Foundation (PFAW).
A native of Queens, New York, Michele started her career in public service in the office of Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), where she worked on judiciary, health care, and education issues.
Michele appears frequently in print and on air as a legal expert for outlets including the Washington Post, Politico, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, FOX, News One, and is currently a contributing columnist for Inside Sources. She additionally serves as a contributing host on The Leslie Marshall Show on the Progressive Voices Network and IHeartRadio, and on the Agenda with Ari Rabin-Havt on SiriusXM Progress Channel 127.
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Sneak Peek Into What You’ll Learn…
2:15 – Michele tells us more about the Center for American Progress (CAP) and the different roles she had there.
9:18 – Michele explains why being clear about its values is core to the successful growth of CAP.
19:38 – What are Michele’s superpowers? She shares what powers she possess and how she uses them to navigate her career.
24:11 – Michele provides great advice on how to teach children to be bold.
28:06 – Michele discusses how being a parent informs her priorities and her perspective.
33:33 – Michele shares four very specific, actionable tips for how to juggle a busy family life and a big job.
42:22 – Brass Tacks: The lightning round of concrete advice and tips
Quotable quotes:
“…I’ve always been really dedicated…Sometimes that means that I’ve made less…but I’ve always felt really proud of the work that I’m doing…”
“…parenting—there’s no right or wrong way to do it…but I think the number one thing is really centering love as the primary motivation…”
“[on balancing life and work] Do less, more…as a culture we do so many things, but are we really doing them thoughtfully and intentionally…?”
“Have a little patience and always trust the intention…We often don’t give as much credit to our partners, to the people that we work with…that their intentions are good…”
Links to Resources
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