Jerome Hardaway (he/him)

Director of Strategic Targeting for Youth Engagement & Counter Dis/Misinformation

Jerome Hardaway is a mission-driven technology leader specializing in AI, Big Data, and counter-disinformation. As the Director of Youth Engagement & Counter-Disinformation at Civic Influencers, he spearheads AI-driven strategies to combat misinformation, deploying cutting-edge PsyOps tactics to protect digital literacy and democratic integrity for young adults.

Previously, Jerome was a Software Engineer at Microsoft, where he led initiatives in AI and Big Data, driving large-scale innovation and building solutions that transformed enterprise technology. As the leader of the Atlanta chapter of Military at Microsoft, he championed career development, mentorship, and inclusion for veterans transitioning into tech.

With a career spanning nonprofit, government, agency, media, and enterprise tech, Jerome has built and led high-impact programs at the intersection of technology, strategy, and social good. He has pioneered AI-powered workforce development models, cybersecurity initiatives, and large-scale digital transformation efforts, shaping industry and policy discussions on leveraging technology for community impact.

A United States Air Force veteran who served in Security Forces, Jerome's leadership is rooted in discipline, innovation, and mission execution. He is a proven strategist who builds, scales, and leads teams to drive systemic change—whether through AI, advocacy, or mentorship. His work reshapes industries, empowers communities, and sets new standards for leadership in technology and social impact.