Michele Lanza (she/her/hers)
Oakland, California, United States
14K followers
500+ connections
14K followers
500+ connections
About
Driven, strategic, innovative business partner, with a passion for talent acquisition…
Activity
14K followers
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) shared thisI'm so proud of the work we're doing at Donuts + Democracy 🍩! We're building community in cities across the country, and putting real energy into educating, registering, and mobilizing the most important voting bloc out there: young people. Every donuts, every conversation is about making sure people know their voice matters and their vote counts.Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) shared thisWhile masked white supremacists were out in DC over the weekend spreading hate, we were in cities all across America spreading love (& donuts!) 🍩 Love for our neighbors, love for our country and the diversity that makes it beautiful and vibrant. Love for all. And one of the ways we show our love is by registering voters – because everyone should have a voice and a vote. 🍩 See our registration wagons across states here! https://lnkd.in/gqwXPDFs #DonutsnDemocracy
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) reposted thisMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) reposted this4 months out. 90 seconds to register. No excuses. Link in bio. 🍩 #DonutsnDemocracy #Midterms2026
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) shared thisAfter spending some time recharging, I’ve got exciting news to share! 🎉 I've rejoined KC Partners as a Senior Recruiter. For those who know Brooke Kruger, you know the reputation her firm carries and I'm thrilled to be back doing what I love: making meaningful matches between communications talent and great companies. If you're looking to fill a comms role or are a candidate ready for your next chapter, let's connect! I’m also thrilled to share that I’m working with Donuts + Democracy. Their mission is to register, educate, and mobilize one of the most powerful and underinvested voting blocs: young people. The impact this organization is making is truly incredible, and I'm proud to be part of the team. Check us out! 🍩🗳️ Photo credit: Danielle Hayes
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) posted thisAs I walk into 2026, I have some news to share. After almost four years at IDEO, it's time for a new adventure. My time at IDEO taught me so much about myself, leadership, and what it truly takes to create change within an organization. I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside some amazingly talented people. A big shout-out to the talent team, you are all incredible. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to take some time off as it's given me space for personal reflection. I’ve been able to reconnect with myself, family, friends, and to spend time volunteering (there’s a lot of work to be done to create a blue wave). Letting my mind wander and imagine what’s next has been a gift. More to come on my next chapter. For now, I’m taking a little more time to smell the roses 🌹 !
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) shared thisExciting news from IDEO! I couldn’t be more thrilled that Michael Peng is coming back to IDEO as our new CEO. #ideoMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) shared thisIntroducing our new CEO! Michael Peng, accomplished creative leader and IDEO alumnus, makes his return this June. Current CEO Derek Robson led the hiring process, as he prepares to take on a new role at kyu Collective. “In Mike, we’ve found a leader whose brain, heart, courage, curiosity and design mastery make him the ideal match for IDEO’s evolving ambitions and an exceptional fit as the next Chief Executive Officer. His return represents a reconnection with IDEO’s roots and a launchpad for its future. I’m looking forward to working with him.” Get to know Mike in this clip as he talks about creativity, collaboration, and what he’s most excited about.
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) posted thisI’m exhausted. I’m scared. I’m heartbroken. And yes—I'm mad. It’s hard to pretend everything is okay when the world feels like it’s unraveling. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. My heart is with those whose identities make them especially vulnerable right now. For many, simply commuting to work is a risk. For others, traveling for their jobs may come with fear. And for too many, job security is no longer a given—or already lost. This is not normal. This is not okay. This administration’s policies are causing real harm to real people. Let’s not forget: our colleagues are humans who may be carrying invisible weights. They are managing fear, uncertainty, and grief, all while trying to show up. If there was ever a time to lead with empathy, it’s now. #empathy #leadership #DEIB
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) posted thisTo all the companies and universities (too many to name) that are quickly cutting or pulling back on your DEIB efforts—I’m disappointed, but not at all surprised. Your true colors are showing. DEIB isn’t a trend. It’s a commitment. And when you decide it only matters when it’s convenient, people notice. When DEIB is "back in fashion", and you suddenly try to change your tune, I hope your employees, future talent, students, and customers remember where you stood when it truly mattered. #DEIB #Accountability #DoBetter
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) posted thisI’m feeling exhausted today by the dramatic trip we all just took back to what feels like the 1950s. My heart goes out to the employees who will be directly impacted by the executive orders being issued and the changes that will come. Let’s be gentle with ourselves and with each other. How are you prioritizing self-care right now? I’d love to hear what’s working for you. 💙 #DEIBmatters #LGBTQ+ #selfcare #climatechangematters
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) shared thisIt's becoming increasingly clear which companies are genuinely committed to DEIB and which ones have merely been paying lip service. True commitment shows in actions, resources and money, not just words. Let’s continue to hold ourselves and our organizations accountable to create meaningful and lasting change. 🌍✨ #DEIB #InclusionMatters #AccountabilityMeta drops DEI initiatives while Amazon scales them backMeta drops DEI initiatives while Amazon scales them back
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) commented on a post
2mo
Congrats. They are lucky to have you!
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked this6 years ago, Rep. John Lewis (@johnlewisdoc) succumbed to cancer after a long life of “good trouble,” putting his voice and body on the line to secure equal voting rights. Our amazing D+D organizers & volunteers are continuing this fight, making “good trouble” year-round. Rachel – one of our all-star D+D Wagon Leaders – has been doing incredible work in WI this week, from a Walmart Parking lot to the ICE protest in Burnham Park, where community gathered for Joan Sebastian Guerrero – yet another innocent man who was shot and killed by ICE in Maine (that’s 2 in 6 days). This is why the voter registration + education that Rachel (and all our Wagon Leaders) are doing, in WI and across the US, is so important. It isn’t just telling people to vote – these are deep, transformative conversations that offer people the opportunity to be heard, process what’s happening, and understand that the #1 goal of authoritarians is to make people believe their vote doesn’t matter. After talking with Rachel, folks who initially expressed concern or discouragement about voting said they were more committed than ever. THIS is the power we all have to make change… imagine what would happen if you joined us, too. Learn about how you can get involved/sign up for our next Donut Wagon Virtual Training session next Monday, July 27 – register at link in bio 🍩 #donutsndemocracy
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisA prototype is not a product. A good prototype is a question, made tangible. Today, AI can one-shot impressive output in a matter of seconds. But that can actually become a trap for product teams, by over-emphasizing output over learning. Is this the right thing to build? Does this create differentiated value for our customers? These are still areas that require human taste and judgment. The answer doesn't come from simply shipping faster. At IDEO, we've long held these three R's of effective prototyping: 1. Rough: invite critique and co-creation 2. Rapid: more cycles = more learning 3. Right: build with intention around what question you're trying to answer The art of prototyping is really about staying curious long enough to discover something insightful that your customers will actually come back for. It's about falling in love with the problem, not the solution. My colleagues Michelle Lee and Danny DeRuntz wrote about why these 3 principles of prototyping matter more, not less, in the age of AI.Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisOne of IDEO’s most memorable prototypes features a cardboard cutout of an iPhone and one of our designers pretending to be a dancing furry monster. Design professors still use it to teach the core principles of prototyping: rough, rapid, and right. Today, AI can generate a polished concept instantly, but this automatic perfection often prevents us from asking the most important questions—and discourages users from providing honest feedback. IDEO’s Michelle Lee and Danny DeRuntz share how to leverage the latest technologies without losing the playful human magic that drives real innovation. Learn about the 3 Rs of prototyping: https://lnkd.in/e3KcRci7
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisThis week, we were at the @hsdems's conference conducting a workshop on a new playbook for building youth political power 💪 The students were amazing – so smart, motivating, and inspiring – with ton of ideas (hard to believe they’re only in high school!). The administration’s terrorizing of educators has had a noticeable effect on freedom of speech in schools. Many teachers & administrators are afraid to encourage voting or let students start organizations that advocate against hate. Yet these young leaders are refusing to give up. They’re on the frontlines in red, purple, and blue states working to empower their peers and fighting against extremism, racism, and voter suppression in their communities. They are fighting for ALL of our futures, and we need to be supporting them. Not just rooting for them on social media, but backing them with the RESOURCES they need to make a difference. That’s what we’re doing at D+D – helping eliminate barriers to voting (and to combat voter suppression) by making sure today’s youth has the voting toolkits & training (plus donuts & wagons!) to get young people registered and to the polls. Learn about how to get involved. Link in bio 🍩 #DonutsnDemocracy
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisI am proud to join these fearless, fabulous leaders — Soon Mee Kim , Sade Ayodele and Rebecca Edwards — who are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive and joyful planet. We invite our colleagues in the PR/comms community who also believe in this future to join us. Currently there are 16 of us who have signed up to be #IdaBWellsImpactFund Founders. Our goal is 100. Please join us Helen C. Shelton, MS Peter Finn Bill Imada Grace Leong Liz Kaplow Corey duBrowa Sabrina N. Browne Dale Bornstein Moon Kim Jeff Wilson, APR Matt Kucharski Caryn Medved Kathleen Rennie, Ph.D., APR, Fellow PRSA April Cen Yue, Ph.D. Beth Feldman Brandi Boatner Kim Sample Steven Cody Trenesa Stanford-Danuser Rosemary Mercedes Dr. Juan Meng Neil Foote Michael Neuwirth, Sustainability Communications Leader Olita Mills Felicia Blow, PhD, APR Ben Finzel he/him Thomas B. Sara Baiyu Porritt Jon Harris Darrel Ng Cheryll Ocampo Forsatz Binna Kim Josette Thompson Rosanna Fiske Chuck Wallington, Ph.D. Sonia V. Diaz Bobby Amirshahi Teneshia Jackson Warner Andy Checo Alex Pachetti Judith Harrison Vanessa Wakeman Lisa Susan Freeman Cat Collela Graham Lisa Vasquez-Fedrizzi Jon Onoda Scott Shirai Cheryl OvertonMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisCollective Power grows when leaders choose to invest in lasting change. Today, we're proud to welcome four new Founding Members to the Ida B. Wells Impact Fund: 👏 Patrice Tanaka 👏 Soon Mee Kim 👏 Sade Ayodele 👏 Rebecca Edwards With their commitment, we've reached 16 Founding Members on our Road to 100. The Ida B. Wells Impact Fund was created to invest in the future of the communications profession by supporting research, leadership development, and initiatives that drive meaningful, lasting impact. Every Founding Member strengthens this work and helps ensure that future generations of communicators have the tools, opportunities, and leadership they need to thrive. Thank you to Patrice, Soon Mee, Sade, and Rebecca for believing in DAA's mission and helping build what's next. Interested in becoming one of our first 100 Founding Members? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e45k4wvf 16 Founding Members. Road to 100. Together, we're building Collective Power.
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisLast Friday was my last day with Omnicom. I’m going to “take the phone off the hook and disappear for a while” but before I do, I wanted to say a huge thank you to Eileen Kiernan, Susan Catalano, Florian Adamski, Jim Hytner, and so many others for an absolutely incredible 10+ years with IPG Mediabrands and Omnicom. I’ve been lucky to work with some incredibly talented people, take on challenges I never imagined, build relationships I’ll carry with me long after this chapter ends, and recognize how good it was while it was happening. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities, the friendships, and the trust placed in me by so many along the way. Whether they like it or not, my boys now have my undivided attention until they head off to college in a few weeks. After that, I’m excited to see where the next chapter leads and what opportunities it brings. To everyone who has been part of this journey—thank you. It has honestly been an incredible ride.
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisEurope relegates bad teams to a lower league. Congress works like that too, but only if we get registered to vote and show up at the polls 👀 This fall 435 US house reps, 33 US senators and many state officials will be on the ballot. We decide who stays and who goes. Are you tuning in (this weekend, and for your country during the midterm elections this November)? #donutsndemocracy
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisLast week's Aspen Institute Business & Society Program was a whirlwind. So many terrific discussions and debates with lots of learning. It's such a pleasure working alongside and contributing to the efforts made by Judy Samuelson, Eli Malinsky, Alicia Bonner, Felicia Davis and the program team. They put on a first rate conference that is truly a working session. Don't let Judy catch you multi-tasking in a session!! Many great moments with speakers and formal discussions, but the highlight is always the informal discussions that happen with friends and collaborators from all over the world. Deloitte is proud to be a lead sponsor.
-
Michele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisMichele Lanza (she/her/hers) liked thisAfter more than 15 years at thredUP, I’m closing a chapter that has shaped me more than I probably understand yet. When I joined, we were still figuring out what this company could become. In those early days, the work was very literal: build the station, move the racks, solve the problem in front of us. Somewhere along the way the hammer turned into a spreadsheet, the spreadsheet turned into an operating system, and the operating system turned into a team. But what I’ll remember most is not the metrics, the board decks, the models, or the big operational milestones. I’ll remember moments on the floor. Around a whiteboard. With leaders close enough to the work to see what the rest of us might miss. Taking something messy, drawing it out, arguing about it, improving it, and then trying again. That was always the best part of thredUP for me: the chance to build a unique operating/reverse logistics platform with people who cared enough to challenge each other, learn quickly, and make the work better. I’m deeply grateful to James, Chris, the Ops team, the DC teams, and every operator, manager, analyst, engineer, and partner who taught me something along the way. You made me sharper. You made me better. You made the hard days worth it. I’ve always believed that culture is not what we put on the wall or in a deck. It is what people do when the work gets complicated. By that definition, I got to be part of something very special. Thank you, thredUP. We’ve had a great front nine. Keep it going on the back nine! R/ AG
Experience
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Recommendations received
1 person has recommended Michele
Join now to viewOther similar profiles
Explore top content on LinkedIn
Find curated posts and insights for relevant topics all in one place.
View top content