#WeLeadComms: Michele Glaze

Meet Michele Glaze, a Texan and trailblazer who broke the norms for female leadership in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Glaze, Senior Director of Communications for Samsung Austin Semiconductor, is the pulse point that syncs one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities with the heart of Central Texas. A veteran communicator and master‑connector, Glaze has forged a rock‑solid reputation and her high‑impact strategy ignites every stakeholder, rallying them around a common purpose.

Strategic Business Acumen: Glaze’s business acumen was most notably showcased when she quarterbacked the high-stakes decision-making process to build Samsung’s new $17 billion expansion fabrication plant in Taylor, Texas. By navigating the complex intersections of infrastructure, local-government support, and economic-development incentives, she ensured the project would succeed operationally and also integrate seamlessly into the local semiconductor ecosystem. During her tenure, Samsung’s regional economic impact surged to a staggering $26.8 billion in 2023.

Excellence in Public Affairs: A master architect of public affairs, Glaze has designed programs that do more than just manage reputations—they advance causes and serve others. Her “make-it-happen” philosophy is evident in:

*Corporate Citizenship: Directing corporate citizenship initiatives across multiple organizations for 20 + years, shaping sustainable strategies, driving community engagement, and delivering measurable social impact results that aligned with each company’s brand and business objectives.

*Stakeholder Engagement: Increasing company brand, reputation and engagement with hundreds of stakeholders, serving as company spokesperson for all media, giving local presentations and serving as the primary interface with local community officials and business leaders regarding community engagement and outreach opportunities in Central Texas.

*Igniting Employee Passion: Pioneering Samsung’s first weekly internal newsletter, overhauling the company‑wide email strategy, and orchestrating high‑impact town halls, quarterly meetings, and the Leadership Roundtable series; the integrated media and outreach drive deeply engaged employees. Leading the “We Chip In” initiative, which leverages employee volunteerism to combat food insecurity and support regional education.

* Powerhouse Leadership: Honored as an Outstanding Woman in Business and Outstanding Communicator, Glaze is defined by her powerhouse leadership. By championing ideas that seemed too bold and forging partnerships that broke the traditional mold, Glaze discovered that true progress lives in the uncomfortable space between “that’s how it’s done” and “let’s try something different.” Transparency and vulnerability are valued in Glaze’s evergreen playbook.

Whether she is merging regional United Ways, serving on the board of a local nonprofit organization or raising funds for an important cause, Glaze remains a cutting-edge force for mutual prosperity—ensuring that when the industry succeeds, the community triumphs alongside it. Bastrop-born, Austin-authentic, and Taylor-thriving, Michele Glaze embodies the spirit of Texas innovation.

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