Maisha C. Leek is an entrepreneur and founder of DirtyBird.co, an NYC based consulting practice that advises start-ups and philanthropists as they launch or tackle growth. She’s managed strategy, communications, and operations at leading organizations for over 10 years.   Recently, she advised the launch of the Culture Fund, a philanthropic effort by tech investors Andreessen Horowitz, to diversify the talent pipeline to Silicon Valley. She also led the launch of UnitedMasters, a music and tech company, an Andreessen Horowitz portfolio company with the investment of Alphabet and 21st Century Fox.

She started her career in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia in politics and served as an advisor to elected and appointed officials, leading their engagement the White House, Congressional leadership, and elected officials across the country.

Maisha is a trustee of Trinity College – Washington, D.C., serves on the Corporate Advisory Council of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and is a board member of the Service Year Alliance.

She credits service as opening the door career to opportunities in public policy, politics, and business. She received her B.A. from Trinity College in Washington D.C., her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and her lifetime commitment to encouraging others from an adolescence dependent on the kindness of strangers.