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Larissa Shapiro
DEIB leader and consultant, Strategic Program and Project Manager, Open Source Community Builder, Open to new opportunities
Professional Background
Larissa Shapiro is an accomplished and dedicated professional with a profound commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across various sectors, including business, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and standards bodies. With over 20 years of extensive experience, Larissa has honed her skills in program management and organizational development. She has utilized a human-centered approach infused with empathy to shape program strategies that effectively narrate compelling stories about organizational effectiveness and societal impact.
Throughout her career, Larissa has held several pivotal positions, most notably serving as the Head of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Mozilla. In this influential role, she spearheaded initiatives designed to foster an inclusive culture that championed respect for individuals' multifaceted identities. Her innovative strategies have not only furthered Mozilla’s inclusion efforts but have also set benchmarks in the tech industry for developing inclusive workplaces.
Before her tenure at Mozilla, Larissa served as a Senior Engineering Program Manager, taking the lead in contributor development initiatives that empowered diverse talent within the tech ecosystem. Her journey began at Sun Microsystems, where she held various roles, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability in the technology sector.
Education and Achievements
Larissa's educational background reflects her commitment to understanding the intricate dynamics of social justice and individual empowerment. She earned her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Feminist Liberation Theology from the Episcopal Divinity School. This comprehensive program enabled her to explore the intersections of gender, spirituality, and social justice, which continue to influence her work today. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Women's Studies from Mills College, providing her with a strong foundation in the principles of feminist theory and advocacy.
Larissa’s academic pursuits are complemented by her practical experiences, where she has actively contributed to notable organizations, including her role as a Product Manager at Internet Systems Consortium and as a Release and Operations Manager at Cisco Systems. Her tenure as Co-Founder and Publisher of Down There Magazine demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community development, which focuses on amplifying marginalized voices.
Core Competencies
Larissa's core competencies encompass a wide variety of areas integral to successful program execution and community engagement. She excels in key areas such as:
- Program Management
- Organizational Development
- Strategic Direction
- Coaching and Mentorship
- Project Management
- Change Management
- Community Development
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Conflict Resolution
- Cross-functional & Organizational Effectiveness
Her ability to employ strategic direction while maintaining an empathetic approach makes her a valued leader in the initiatives she undertakes. This unique combination enables Larissa to foster collaborative environments that encourage creativity and deliver on the goals of various stakeholders.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Larissa has been recognized for her innovative contributions to diversity and inclusion, having successfully led large-scale initiatives that resulted in measurable changes within the organizations she has served. At Mozilla, she played a crucial role in enhancing the global diversity strategy, establishing metrics for success that have had lasting impacts.
As an independent consultant, Larissa has utilized her wealth of experience to advise a range of international organizations on best practices in diversity and inclusivity. Her consultancy work often involves collaboration with executive teams to ensure comprehensive understanding and implementation of diversity programs that elevate organizational performance.
Moreover, her expertise in social entrepreneurship and community development is evidenced by her active participation in various civic engagements and her collaboration with grassroots organizations aimed at fostering social change and inclusivity. Her insights and leadership have made a tangible difference, helping communities to thrive by leveraging their intrinsic diversity as a strength.
Conclusion
With a rich tapestry of experiences including program management, organizational development, and community engagement, Larissa Shapiro exemplifies the future of transformative leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her educational background in Women’s Studies and Feminist Liberation Theology fuels her passion for advocating for systemic change across various levels of society. Larissa continues to inspire through her commitment to empowering individuals, fostering inclusive environments, and driving impactful change within organizations across the globe.
