digitalundivided (aka “DID”) is the leading research, data, programming and thought leadership organization championing an equitable entrepreneurial landscape. Recently, the organization announced the appointment of Leah Williams as its new Chief Executive Officer. It ends digitalundivided’s year-long nationwide search for a permanent leader. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead the organization through its next growth phase. She has a successful track record as a C-Suite leader across startups, new ventures and quasi-governmental organizations.
Statement from Williams
“I am excited to join DID and get to work disrupting the ecosystems of investors and entrepreneurs. DID is quickly becoming a force multiplier of an entrepreneurial landscape in which Latina and Black women who lead thriving startups have equitable access to capital and investment. 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,” stated Leah Williams, CEO of digitalundivided. “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.”
William’s background
A true connector of people, initiatives and organizations, Williams has served in many C-Suite roles. She has been in roles such as CEO/Co-Founder, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel over the past 20-plus years. Holding a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, she is also an alumnus of UCLA Anderson School of Business Management Development for Entrepreneurs program. Williams’ resume boasts leadership and advising roles, at the local level to our nation’s capital to business leaders. She shows commitment to a fully inclusive and equitable society. The DID’s Board of Directors entrusts her with its rich reputation and dedication to research changing the entrepreneurial landscape. Williams succeeds Brittany S. Hale, who served as interim CEO & COO during the search process.
Thoughts from the board
“Leah’s appointment as CEO heralds a transformative chapter for digitalundivided,” said Patricia Mota, Board Member at digitalundivided. “With a distinguished career spanning over two decades and leadership roles in nonprofits, startups and government entities, Leah Williams 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.”
As digitalundivided sets its sights on the new year, the organization prioritizes the disruption of funding pipelines and institutional investment. They plan to build bridges of access for its community of ready-to-scale Latina and Black women entrepreneurs. With a rich network of companies ready for investments, digitalundivided is excited to continue serving as a trusted expert for founders, funders and investors.
About digitalundivided
For 11 years, digitalundivided (aka “DID”) has increased visibility and access for Latina and Black women founders. DID began with groundbreaking research. It expanded to data-based programming, strategic partnerships and, a vibrant ecosystem of founders, funders and investors. The company champions an equitable entrepreneurial landscape. It also provides women of color at various stages of running a business the space to improvise and innovate. DID was the first to debut authoritative research on the state of investment in businesses led by Latina and Black women founders with the Project Diane Report. digitalundivided’s expanded research, programming and landscape reflects the communities rapidly becoming the next generation of business leaders.
DID has multiple programs — START, BIG Pre-Accelerator, BREAKTHROUGH, Do You Fellowship and the New C-Suite. The programs mobilize best-in-class resources, coaching, community connection and investment to support women of color founders. For more information, visit www.digitalundivided.com and follow them on X(@digundiv), Instagram and Facebook (@digitalundivided).
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