Newark-based digitalundivided (DID) a research, data, programming, and thought leadership organization that catalyzes Latina & Black women startup founders and entrepreneurs to build startup companies in tech, retail, health, SAS and more, recently announced it appointed Leah Williams as its new chief executive officer, ending digitalundivided’s year-long nationwide search for a permanent leader.
Williams succeeds Brittany Hale, who served as interim CEO and COO during the search process.
“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,” Williams said. “I am excited to join DID and get to work disrupting the ecosystems of investors and entrepreneurs. 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.”
Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead the organization through its next growth phase with her successful track record as a C-Suite leader across startups, new ventures, and quasi-governmental organizations.
A true connector of people, initiatives and organizations, Williams has served in many C-Suite roles, from executive director to CEO/co-founder to chief legal officer and corporate secretary to general counsel over the past 20-plus years.
Holding a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School, she is an alumnus of UCLA Anderson School of Business Management Development for Entrepreneurs program. Williams’ curriculum vitae boasts leadership and advising roles for a diverse group of leaders, from state and federal judges to elected officials at the local level to our nation’s capital to business leaders. With a commitment to a fully inclusive and equitable society, she is trusted by DID’s Board of Directors to continue its rich history and dedication to research changing the entrepreneurial landscape.
“Leah’s appointment as CEO heralds a transformative chapter for digitalundivided,” Patricia Mota, Board Member at digitalundivided said. “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.”
As digitalundivided sets its sights on the new year, the organization prioritizes the disruption of funding pipelines and institutional investment by building bridges of access for its community of ready-to-scale Latina and Black women entrepreneurs. With a rich network of companies ready for angel investing, local investors, and impact investors, along with early-stage, pre-seed, and seed-ready investments, digitalundivided is excited to continue serving as a trusted expert, connector, and knowledge bank for founders, funders and investors.
