Michaela Smiley

About Michaela Smiley

I’ve spent my career building technology and policies that help people feel safe, connected, and empowered. I lead teams and systems that make digital and real-world platforms safer, more trustworthy, and more resilient at scale.As Senior Director of Product Management and Head of Trust & Safety Strategy at Lyft, I lead cross-functional, global safety teams focused on AI-driven safety innovation, safety-by-default experiences, and customer-centric protection tools that not only reduce harm, but help people feel genuinely cared for on the platform.Previously, I led Trust & Safety product and policy teams at Bumble, where we built machine-learning detection and prevention systems, strengthened identity and authenticity infrastructure, and advanced privacy and safety compliance—all in service of creating inclusive, respectful spaces for connection.Earlier, I helped grow Twitter’s Responsible Product Development function, embedding safety-by-design practices into early-stage product development, shaping product policy, and integrating Trust & Safety frameworks to support responsible launches and long-term platform resilience.I began my career in tech at Mozilla, focused on how the internet shapes society and building tools and education to make that impact more positive. Before that, at Ogilvy’s Behavior Change practice, I worked on public-health initiatives applying participatory technology to drive measurable social change.I’m driven by the belief that thoughtful technology can meaningfully improve people’s lives. I’m energized by complex systems problems, multidisciplinary collaboration, and building the conditions for teams to do their most impactful work.

Experience

1. Senior Director of Product Management and Head of Community Safety

   Lyft

   Jul 2024 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Executive product leader driving Lyft’s global Trust & Safety strategy. Owns multi-year safety vision, investment strategy, and roadmap; accountable for cross-functional delivery and quality across all Trust & Safety initiatives. Oversees Lyft’s full safety product portfolio—from rider and driver protections to AI-powered harm prevention. Led launches including PIN Verification, Direct Blocking, Audio Recording, Rider Verification, and Rider & Driver Safety Hubs. Drives innovation in preventive safety through applied AI/ML, launching models to prevent incidents before they occur and detect risk in real time. Founded Lyft’s first Product Policy function to embed safety-by-design into product development. Represents Trust & Safety strategy and progress to executive leadership, Lyft\'s Board, and investors.

Education

• The University of Edinburgh

  Semester Abroad, Sociology and Psychology Studies

• American University

  Bachelor of Arts, Double Major: Law & Society and Public Communication

Skills

• Newsletters
• Digital Strategy
• Crisis Communications
• Message Development
• Integrated Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Advertising
• Corporate Communications
• Partnerships
• Online Advertising
• Publicity
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Media Relations
• Content Strategy
• Marketing Strategy
• Brand Development
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Marketing Communications
• Marketing
• Reputation Management
• Social Impact
• New Business Development
• Strategic Communications
• Writing
• Branding & Identity
• Digital Marketing
• Online Marketing
• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• Audience Analysis
• Social Marketing
• Strategy
• Messaging
• Event Planning
• Social Media