Vice Chair, Board of Visitors and Governors

Different was the first platform built to scale venture capital. We helped investors navigate the complex venture capital landscape. Different combined a deep understanding of the venture ecosystem with institutional-grade research and due diligence. Our network spanned 100+ markets, in the U.S. and around the world. We monitored more than 2,800 venture firms, who invested in 30+ sectors and had 50% GP diversity. Our team blended expertise in startups, venture capital, asset management and technology. https://differentfunds.com

Assure Analytics provided unprecedented transparency into private venture deals, reporting on trends and best practices to further level the venture capital playing field. Through the analysis and surfacing of data from thousands of deals, LPs and emerging managers gained actionable insights for structuring and administrating deals to create impact for their investors and communities.

Startup Angels inspires and enables angel investors. We offer ways for new angels to learn about startup investing, and for expert angels to learn about investing in new markets. We’re investors and startup leaders. We believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship. We see an unprecedented opportunity to capitalize on the growth of startups -- worldwide. We’re building the first platform designed to empower new angel investors, across the US and around the globe.

In collaboration with her partner and husband, Amb. (ret.) Edward S. Walker, Jr, offers market, risk, and financial assessments to companies and organizations who wish to do business in the Middle East. Additionally, Leslie coaches and mentors emerging technology entrepreneurs in the MENA region, providing them with business and operational expertise.

Sawari Ventures is an international venture capital firm that invests in people turning visionary ideas into market-leading companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Based in Cairo, Sawari focuses on early and growth stage ICT companies in sectors including: Arabic Digital Content, eCommerce/mCommerce, social media/social CRM, and cloud computing/SaaS.

Provided strategic, business planning and marketing consulting to organizations in both the public and private sectors. Collaborated with early stage companies on projects including company/product positioning and launch, consumer targeting and segmentation as well as investor relations and fundraising. Advised organizations on ways to incorporate social media tools, principles and communities into marketing strategies and programs.

Led the development of donor and volunteer programs for Network for Good (www.networkforgood.org), an e-philanthropy web site, and a joint venture of AOL, Cisco and Yahoo!. Responsible for site editorial strategy and content partnerships, including those with media companies such as Time Warner, Harpo Productions, Knight-Ridder and Fox. Developed marketing programs which delivered results exceeding annual goals for donations and dollars given.

Developed strategic and operational plans for a variety of nonprofit organizations. Served as interim Chief Operating Officer for In2Books, now part of ePals (www.corp.epals.com), a curriculum-based e-mentoring program matching adult volunteers with at-risk students. Led organization through initial transformation from a boutique program to one reaching over 30% of DC elementary school students. Established basic infrastructure including compensation structure and benefits, financial reporting and analysis, IT, and legal. Other clients included Time Warner (www.timewarner.com), the Shakespeare Theatre Company (www.shakespearetheatre.org), and the Middle East Institute (www.mei.edu).

Member of the founding management team of Inter.net, an international Internet services provider (ISP). Led the development and implementation of marketing programs in more than 15 markets worldwide. Developed international brand and communications strategies which supported marketing efforts in regions as diverse as Europe, Latin America and Asia. Partnered with CFO to ensure marketing strategies delivered on overall business, sales and revenue goals.

Conceived, launched and led the marketing analytics business unit at USWeb/CKS, a leading global integrated marketing services company. Helped clients optimize marketing spending and increase revenue by tracking, measuring, and shifting marketing mix. Used software-derived analytics and consumer insights to drive marketing and product mix decisions across customer segments. Spanned both online and offline programs.During its first year, the business unit became USWeb/CKS' most profitable. By 2000, the group had annual billings in excess of $10m. Clients included Citicorp, Disney, Visa International, Nabisco, USA Today, Sears, Qwest, Levi Strauss & Co. and Columbia House.

Led 100+ person team with $150m annual budget responsible for consumer and business marketing programs at MCI including brand strategy, integrated marketing communications, direct and online marketing programs. In collaboration with Vint Cerf and others, pioneered MCI’s early Internet efforts including the company’s first website, and the world’s first eCommerce site, marketplaceMCI. Innovated the use of direct response methodologies online. Leveraged marketing analytics and technologies to deliver substantial increases in program results and efficiencies. Managed over a dozen agencies. Successfully met annual sales goals of $75m. Programs delivered significant customer growth and retention benefits with average ROI over 200%.