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Leanne Pittsford
Founder & CEO of multiple tech-focused organizations
Leanne Pittsford is a prominent American entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Lesbians Who Tech, a global community aimed at increasing visibility and networking opportunities for LGBTQ women in technology. Established in 2012, the organization has grown significantly, boasting over 40,000 members across more than 40 cities worldwide, making it the largest LGBTQ network of technologists.134
Early Life and Education
Pittsford grew up in San Diego, California, in a conservative family and did not publicly come out as a lesbian until after college. She earned her bachelor's degree in political science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, followed by a master's degree in equity and social justice in education from San Francisco State University.13
Career
Pittsford began her career at Equality California, where she served as head of operations during efforts to overturn Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. She later co-founded the Lesbian Entrepreneur Mentoring Program and founded Start Somewhere, a digital agency supporting nonprofits.124
In addition to Lesbians Who Tech, she launched include.io, a platform designed to connect underrepresented tech talent with job opportunities, and SquadJobs, which focuses on mentoring and recruiting for diverse candidates.35 Her initiatives have included organizing summits and creating scholarships aimed at supporting LGBTQ women in tech.24
Recognition
Pittsford has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named one of Business Insider's most powerful LGBTQ+ people in tech and recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as one of their "40 Under 40" young business leaders.12 In 2016, she organized the LGBTQ Tech and Innovation Summit at the White House.1
Personal Life
Leanne married Pia Carusone in June 2017. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion continues to shape her work and influence within the tech industry.13
Pittsford's leadership at Lesbians Who Tech reflects her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment within technology, advocating for representation, and creating networks that empower LGBTQ individuals in the field.
