FOUNDER AND CEO
SMARTER GOOD
Jane Leu is Upwardly Global’s founder. An internationally recognized social entrepreneur and expert on global immigration and workforce issues, Jane has nearly 20 years experience as an innovator in the social sector. In addition to Upwardly Global, Jane was on the founding side of numerous projects and enterprises, including the Craigslist nonprofit venture forum, RefugeeWorks, seven Welfare-to-Work programs, and the Hauser Research Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and most recently Smarter Good. As the Founder and CEO of Upwardly Global (2000-2009), she focused on creating the day when skilled immigrants from around the world will be seamlessly integrated in the U.S. workforce in ways that optimize their skills.
Upwardly Global’s innovative idea and Jane’s leadership has been recognized by many awards, including Ashoka: Innovators for the Public; the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award; the Jefferson Award for Community Service; as well as awards and support from the Manhattan Institute, Robin Hood Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation and Draper Richards Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. Jane’s vision and work has been covered by National Public Radio, BBC, CNN, TIME and the Wall Street Journal. Jane holds a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University. She is on the Advisory Council of the Migration Policy Institute, Joshua Venture Group and Ashoka U, Ashoka’s university division.