6 things you need to know about digitalundivided’s new enterprising CEO, Leah D. Williams
After a yearlong search, digitalundivided is excited to announce Leah D. Williams as digitalundivided’s permanent CEO!
Leah D. Williams joins digitalundivided with a vision to disrupt funding pipelines and institutional investment by connecting digitalundivided’s pipeline of Latina and Black women entrepreneurs of ready-to-scale aggressive growth companies.
This is an exciting time to work with an organization grounded in data, and that is uplifting how often overlooked women entrepreneurs rapidly scale their businesses,” Leah says. “I look forward to building upon the rich legacy of programming and research — like the Project Diane Report — and expanding the investor and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Here are six facts to know about digitalundivided’s accomplished new CEO!
Leah’s appointment marks the end of a year-long, digitalundivided CEO search.
The search for a permanent CEO for digitalundivided began roughly one year ago, as the digitalundivided board searched nationwide, culminating in the selection of Williams to take the helm. Patricia Mota, Board Member at digitalundivided, states:
“With a distinguished career spanning over two decades and leadership roles in nonprofits, startups, and government entities, Leah has left an indelible mark on business leadership, entrepreneurship, law, nonprofit excellence, policy, public affairs, strategic communications, and innovative partnerships. Her visionary outlook for the future of digitalundivided is a source of immense excitement, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will bring to our organization.”
Leah Co-founded Stanford Law’s Black Alumni Association
As co-president of her class at Stanford Law School, Williams also boasts of co-founding the Black Alumni Association for the law school with Eugene Clark Herrera (partner at Orrick) and Charles Crockett (VC/PE leader). Before Leah stepped into the executive suite, she advised judges in California and on federal courts.
Leah’s prior roles include CEO, Chief Legal Officer, and Co-founder
Leah has two decades at the executive level, leading government, business, nonprofits, and diverse companies, from $200 million+ enterprises to nimble startups. She has served as a CEO, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Executive Director, Co-Founder, General Counsel, and Western Regional Director throughout her 20-year career.
Leah is a thought leader
Leah is a nationally sought-after speaker and author. She has been a panelist on
the “Business Roundtable on Student Debt” at the White House and the “America’s
College Promise Roundtable” with Second Lady of the United States Jill Biden.
Leah’s mission at digitalundivided is to strengthen the pipeline between funders and digitalundivided founders
In this next chapter of digitalundivided, Leah seeks to strengthen the connection between thriving Latina and Black women entrepreneurs and investors who maximize social impact and financial return. She states:
“We will work to rapidly expand our ecosystem of entrepreneurs whom the data shows have been left out of diverse investors while positioning the organization as the go-to link to ecosystems of accelerators, investors, partners, and sponsors.”
Leah is most proud of her family
Leah comes from a family of entrepreneurs and is proud to be called a mom.
“My two daughters and close-knit family keep me inspired, joyful, and dedicated daily.”
Learn more about Leah’s here.
