This month’s alumni spotlight honors Black History Month and recognizes Hermione Malone (MBA ’05) for her professional achievements and substantial work in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Malone’s career journey—which spans journalism, executive leadership, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, business development and entrepreneurship—reflects her versatility across industries, while her dedication to promoting diversity, fairness and representation remains steadfast.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University, Malone went on to pursue her MBA at the Weatherhead School of Management, graduating in 2005. She credits Weatherhead with sparking new passions in her career, shaping her professional journey in ways she hadn’t anticipated.
"I came to Weatherhead with a clear vision of the work I wanted to pursue, but I ultimately found myself on a completely different path," said Malone.
After working at esteemed publications like The Boston Globe, she parlayed her love for storytelling and community engagement into healthcare. She became manager of community outreach at University Hospitals, focusing on healthcare disparities among people of color and later to director of supplier diversity at the Cleveland Clinic.
"I realized that my experience in the business side of journalism was taking me away from the type of reporting I was passionate about," Malone explained. "It was steering me away from the skills I truly love—connecting with people. Today, I help corporate organizations tell their own stories."
Hermione Malone has also spent a significant part of her career championing nonprofit leadership. As the Executive Director of Go.Be., a New Orleans-based nonprofit, she advocated for resources that empowered minority and women-owned businesses, driving entrepreneurship through skills training and expanded access to capital.
She led Good Work Network, where she played a pivotal role in expanding support for small business owners in underrepresented communities and as Vice President of Strategy and Startup for American Journalism Project she facilitated internal training on supplier diversity strategy in alignment with organizational core value of commitment to equity.
Now, as Executive Director of the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), she continues her nonprofit impact by advancing arts and culture. Her career reflects a deep commitment to mission-driven work that empowers individuals and strengthens communities, which Malone credits Weatherhead for equipping her with the skills that have been pivotal in defining her career.
"It gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, strategy, and collaboration," she said. "As a Black woman, I honed my leadership skills in a community that valued diversity, equity, and inclusion, showing me that excellence has no limits,” she said.