James Heighington

James Heighington is Google’s Global Lead of Strategy, Policy & Narrative working on the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy.

Previously, James was Chief Digital Officer at GLAAD where he founded a collaboration with Google’s parent company to improve artificial intelligence for the LGBTQ community. Prior to that, he led LGBTQ inclusion at Twitter where he spearheaded the company’s global ban on office blood drives in countries that discriminate against LGBTQ donors. James was invited to participate in President Obama’s White House LGBT Tech & Innovation Briefing where he worked with the U.S. Chief Data Scientist to conduct the first federal needs assessment of transgender Americans. Additionally, he provided guidance to the United Nations Free & Equal global business standards. He currently serves on the advisory board of Lesbians Who Tech.

James is a contributor to CNN, The Economist, and his work has been honored with the Trevor Project 20/20 Visionary Award. Oh, and he once hugged a 300 lb. black bear (for real).

Jim also appeared in Season 2 - Episode 4 of the Webby Podcast.