Taproot is pleased to announce the election of Leslie Hardy, Director of Inclusion and Diversity at Pinterest, to our Board of Directors. In addition to her experience advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives for world-renowned companies and organizations, Hardy also brings a background in healthcare and health policy to her role at Taproot.
In her role at Pinterest—the online visual inspiration platform with 522 million active users worldwide—Hardy serves as the strategy, operations and programming lead and a subject matter expert and partner to the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer and senior leadership. As Pinterest further infuses equity operations into its strategies and organizational culture, Hardy has a direct impact on organizational health, inclusive brand and external engagement through optimizing strategic initiatives, overseeing key program management, and leading cross functional efforts.
“It is an honor to be selected to join Taproot Foundation’s Board of Directors,” Hardy said. “Guided by my passion for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, as well as well-being advocacy, I am driven to close gaps and create safe, equitable spaces. My ‘why?’ is simple—everyone deserves to belong. By solving for the most marginalized, we uplift everyone. I am excited to leverage my experience to amplify Taproot Foundation’s equitable social impact in service to nonprofit organizations in achieving their vital missions.”
Prior to joining Pinterest, Hardy lead DEIB strategy at med-tech firm Beckman Coulter Diagnostics where she oversaw the development and execution of DEIB strategy. Previously, Hardy served as Program Manager in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Cleveland Clinic, and her extensive healthcare background also includes experience in hospital and program administration, health policy and community engagement, advocacy and outreach, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Hardy completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences at Howard University and earned her Master of Science degree in Health Policy and Management at The New School in New York, NY. A self-proclaimed global citizen and international travel enthusiast, she currently resides in the greater Washington, DC area with her family.
