Breaking Silos: Fostering Cross-Departmental Collaboration in a Virtual World

“Changing the world, one word at a time.” Nponano Maikori is a passionate communicator who believes that words have the power to shape actions and transform communities. With over 20 years of experience, she has a proven track record of developing metrics-driven internal and external communication strategies that resonate across industries. Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, and raised in the United States, Maikori’s global perspective was shaped by her father, a special needs educator, and her mother, a dedicated nurse. This early exposure to service and advocacy led her to pursue journalism and broadcasting at Oklahoma State University. Though initially drawn to telling stories that could shape the world, she discovered her passion for corporate communications, where her talents thrived. As Director of Internal Communications at Glassdoor, Maikori spearheaded the company’s first-ever internal communications strategy, fostering transparency and inclusivity within the organization. Her previous roles include leading communications at Understood, a nonprofit championing neurodiverse communities, and Local Wisdom, where she developed strategies for major brands such as Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Known for her collaborative and empathetic leadership style, Maikori believes in empowering teams to find their voice, especially during times of organizational change. Looking ahead, she is dedicated to leveraging the power of storytelling and communication to drive cultural transformation in organizations worldwide. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to giving back. She has mentored youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, contributed to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and served as Communications Chair for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.