Michele Y. Smith
Museum Executive & Cultural Strategy Expert
Michele Y. Smith serves as CEO of The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) in Seattle. As a visionary leader and cultural strategist, she redefines the boundaries of the traditional museum. Michele leads innovative programming to resonate with diverse audiences and address contemporary issues. She challenges the status quo, fostering a dynamic environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, the democratization of philanthropy, and mentorship of emerging leaders. An internationally recognized leader, Michele has delivered keynotes in Australia, Singapore, and beyond, bringing MOPOP’s mission to global audiences. She shapes impactful narratives and inspires others to think differently about the role of museums in society through op-eds in outlets such as Forbes, Hyperallergic, and Black Enterprise. Prior to MOPOP, Michele served as Chief Business & Financial Officer at Woodland Park Zoo, where she played a pivotal role in navigating the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. At MOPOP, Michele is not just preserving the past, but actively shaping the future of cultural dialogue. Her commitment to storytelling, empathy, and collaboration ensures that all voices are honored and celebrated.
