Harlan Mandel is chief of media development and chief executive officer at the Media Development Investment Fund, an independent journalism champion in difficult environments. A lawyer by training, he has vast international media experience that has contributed much to ensuring the sustainability of independent news enterprises around the world by being very aggressive in advancing press freedom as part of any democracy.

A Journey Rooted in Curiosity: Early Life and Education

The story of Harlan Mandel starts with a deep curiosity about the world surrounding him, especially in international relations and media. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Asian Studies, continuing at Columbia University School of Law for his Juris Doctor in 1989.

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Rooted in curiosity, growing through knowledge. Source: legendsbio

It was then that he met Maya Wiley, a future wife and a civil rights attorney of note, setting the scene for their shared commitment to social justice.

From Law to Leadership: Career Path

Mandel started his career at Morrison & Foerster, where he developed an early practice in international litigation and new media law during the internet’s first development. It was this passion for free expression that brought him to the Open Society Institute/Soros Foundations Network, where he served as Deputy General Counsel.

He was appointed Deputy Managing Director of MDIF in 1998 and CEO in 2011. Under his leadership, the MDIF has provided more than $321 million in finance to independent media across over 47 countries.

Empowering Voices: Impact on Media Development

Throughout his career, Harlan Mandel has been committed to building a pioneering career in making independent journalism a cornerstone of democracy. As the chief executive officer of the Media Development Investment Fund, he provides access to affordable capital to enable media enterprises to be viable businesses in difficult environments. Under his leadership, outlets supported by the organization have recorded an average revenue growth of 196% over five years.

Mandel’s call emphasizes the very role of independent journalism to be able to bring about informed public discourse, thus guaranteeing that citizens get the information they need for their active social engagement.

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Balancing Act: Personal Life

Out of the office, Harlan Mandel is an avowed family man to his wife, Maya Wiley, a television commentator, and their two teenage children. They keep a supportive home in Brooklyn where dinner table conversations often revolve around ethics, media influence, and their mutual passion for social justice.

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Partners in adventure and love. Here’s to many more journeys together! Source: the-sun.com

These conversations reflect their commitment to making a difference in the world and inculcating values of integrity and activism in their children, cultivating a spirit of informed and engaged citizenship. There is love, laughter, and meaningful dialogue about important issues flowing in her home.

Leading the Charge: Current Positions

He is also the Chief Executive Officer of the investment fund Emerging Media Opportunity Fund I LP, focused on global investments in independent media. Meanwhile, he is also a supervisory board member at Pluralis BV, through which news organizations across Europe are invested.

A Voice for Change: Advocacy and Thought Leadership

Harlan Mandel, as a thought leader, champions freedom of the press and democracy. He posts a regular stream of articles on critical issues from media capture to independent journalism. His insight appeals to all who understand that quality journalism is vital in fighting untruths.

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