Sherise Malachi ‘01 is a wife, mother and seasoned professional who was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. With experience spanning major music labels, media markets and nonprofit organizations, Malachi has consistently prioritized community impact while remaining deeply connected to her alma mater, North Carolina Central University (NCCU).
Finding Her Voice: Early Inspiration and Career Beginnings
Malachi’s interest in marketing and media took root early in life, influenced by the music and entertainment industry and cultural touchstones like the film “Boomerang.” “I always loved marketing,” she said. “And radio was such a cool thing to me. It made me curious about how media worked behind the scenes.”
That curiosity took shape at NCCU when Jerry Carter, general manager of the university’s campus radio station, recognized Malachi's potential. “He said, ‘You have a great voice — you should do radio,’” she said. That early encouragement led to an internship.
After earning her degree in English with a concentration in media and mass communications, Sherise Malachi landed a position at Atlantic Records, where she spent several years leading international marketing and promotions campaigns for their top artists. She next transitioned to Columbia Records, handling the coordination of radio promotion for their biggest acts. She then moved into leadership roles with Radio One, managing marketing strategies and women’s empowerment programs before being promoted to oversee East Coast markets.
In 2005, while working at Atlantic Records, Malachi created and launched the Hip Hop Summit at NCCU. As both artists and alumni signed to Atlantic, Little Brother and 9th Wonder were invited by Malachi to participate in the program over the three years it was held on campus. The summit brought industry leaders, artists, and students together, bridging the academic study of hip hop with real-world industry experience. From those efforts, the Hip Hop Studies Program at NCCU was later established, led by 9th Wonder and other faculty.
Philanthropy, Leadership and a Lasting Commitment to NCCU
Though she didn’t grow up surrounded by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) culture, Malachi considers NCCU one of the most defining influences in her life. “I don’t think I would be me if I did not attend this university,” she says. “The people, the professors — they changed my life from my freshman year.”
While her career in entertainment thrived, she became an early and active supporter of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, serving as an ambassador and donor long before its grand opening.
Today, as head of strategic partnerships at the Tom Joyner Foundation, Malachi leads the development of collaborations and revenue-generating strategies to support students attending HBCUs. Her work focuses on expanding programs for high school juniors and seniors preparing for college while supporting current HBCU students with scholarships, internships, and leadership opportunities. Since joining the Tom Joyner Foundation, she has facilitated $100,000 in giving to NCCU.
Thriving Through Industry Change
“The radio industry I knew 20 years ago is not the same today,” she said. While streaming platforms, social media, and AI have transformed how audiences discover music and how messages are delivered, radio has remained the heartbeat of the community. “It’s still one of the most trusted, immediate ways to connect with people — whether it’s for breaking news, cultural conversations, or music discovery.”
She believes that while tools and platforms will continue to evolve, the fundamentals of communication and connection stay the same. “AI is an amazing complement — it can save you time and enhance your workflow — but relationships, storytelling, and the human touch behind the mic are irreplaceable,” she said.
Redefining Success: Balance, Family and Service
For Malachi, success is no longer defined by titles or public recognition. “Success for me is about balance,” she shares. “I had a season where I was completely burned out, and I realized my family comes first.”
She now manages her boundaries, including choosing not to keep work emails on her phone to preserve family time and personal space. “I’m a soccer mom first,” Malachi says with a smile.
Mentorship, Community and Lasting Impact
Mentorship is one of Malachi’s deepest passions. She supports high school and college students throughout the Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland area. “I take the approach of listening first, offering encouragement, and staying consistent with the people I mentor,” she said. Malachi encourages students to get involved in campus organizations, seek out internships and begin building professional networks long before graduation.
Her mentoring often includes job leads, introductions and career guidance. Additionally, Malachi serves on multiple nonprofit boards, championing causes tied to education, equity and youth empowerment.
Her career has brought well-deserved recognition — including being named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and an NCCU 40 Under 40 honoree.
Malachi credits her relationship with God, family, close friends and long-standing professional relationships as the foundation for her longevity and resilience. Trust, open communication and a commitment to community have carried her through every chapter of her career.