Ellen Pao

Ellen Pao is a prominent American lawyer and businesswoman, recognized for her impactful leadership in the tech industry. She served as the chief executive officer of Reddit from 2014 to 2015, a period marked by significant changes in the platform's policies, including the ban on revenge porn, which set a precedent for other social media sites.

Before her tenure at Reddit, Pao gained national attention in 2012 when she filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against Kleiner Perkins, a venture capital firm. This bold move highlighted the ongoing issues of gender inequality and discrimination within Silicon Valley, sparking widespread discussions about hiring and promotion practices in the tech sector.

During her time at Reddit, Pao faced considerable challenges, including backlash over the banning of certain controversial communities. These decisions, while aimed at creating a safer online environment, led to her stepping down in 2015 amidst a wave of controversy. Her experiences have fueled her advocacy for transparency and better treatment of women in technology.

Since 2016, Pao has channeled her expertise into co-founding and leading Project Include, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Through her work, she continues to influence the conversation around equity in the workplace.