Photo by: Arden Wray
Angela Plohman is executive vice-president, strategy, finance and operations at Mozilla Foundation, the non-profit behind Firefox and a burgeoning movement focused on creating a more humane digital world.
Plohman has significantly impacted Mozilla’s mission to keep the internet open and accessible. On her watch, the foundation has become a global organization with nearly 100 employees, catalyzing change across the tech industry.
“Because the internet is all-pervasive, we need voices that advocate for more ethical practices,” Plohman says. “Being able to amplify diverse, multidisciplinary perspectives on topics ranging from bias in AI to climate misinformation inspires me.”
The Montreal-based Concordia art history alumna has served in key roles on Mozilla Foundation’s board of directors and co-led its diversity and inclusion efforts. Plohman was the inaugural director of Baltan Laboratories, a collaborative platform at the crossroads of art, design and technology in the Netherlands. She is also a board member at the Toronto Biennial of Art, Vancouver’s OpenMedia and Montreal’s Livart, whose mission is to democratize access to art.
Career accomplishment
“Growing Mozilla Foundation into the organization it is today. My focus has been on building systems from the ground up that enable us to be a sustainable and impactful movement organization, all while embracing the tensions that exist between change, rigour and play.”
Job satisfaction
“The arts and design background that influences my operational work. I have colleagues who really support my love of interdisciplinary experimentation. I’m happiest when I can unlock new ways of thinking from unexpected places.”
The Concordia factor
“I had the opportunity to work with David Howes, co-director of the Centre for Sensory Studies, which promotes research in the history and social life of the senses. It opened up new ways of perception for me and helped inform my whole career. I’m very grateful for my Concordia education.”
Best career advice
“Be authentic. This line from an article published in the Harvard Business Review called “How to Stay Optimistic (When Everything Is Awful)” has also served me well: Insist on crisp execution, but make room for ‘organizational foolishness’.”