Laura Liswood

In August 1996, Laura Liswood co-founded the Council of Women World Leaders with President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir of Iceland, located at the UN Foundation in Washington, DC. As the Secretary General of the Council, which is exclusively composed of women presidents, prime ministers, and heads of government, she plays a crucial role in highlighting the contributions of women in global leadership positions. This organization is unique worldwide.

From 1992 to 1996, before her role at Goldman Sachs, Liswood served as the director of the Women's Leadership Project, where she conducted extensive research, interviewing 15 current and former female heads of state, which ultimately culminated in her book and video documentary, "Women World Leaders." She holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, a B.A. from California State University, San Diego, and a J.D. from the University of California, Davis, School of Law. After the events of 9/11, she graduated from the MPD police academy and served as a reserve police officer in Washington DC, retiring after 13 years with the rank of sergeant.

Liswood is the author of several influential books, including "The Loudest Duck," which explores challenges to traditional leadership and diversity efforts in the workplace, and "Serving Them Right," focused on service quality. Her contributions to leadership and workplace diversity have been recognized with the Westinghouse Award of Excellence. She continues to speak globally on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion and has inspired audiences at venues such as the Center for the Study of the Presidency conference and the Girls Schools Association of the UK. In addition to her speaking engagements, Liswood is a commissioner for the New Mexico State Personnel Review Board, a board advisor for EDGE, and a member of the Washington DC Metro Transit Police Investigative Review Panel.