Elizabeth Weingarten

Head of Behavioral Science Insights, Torch

Elizabeth Weingarten is the Head of Behavioral Science Insights for Torch. In this capacity, she works with the behavioral science team to identify and share with broad audiences what Torch is learning about the science of leadership development. Prior to Torch, Elizabeth was managing editor of Behavioral Scientist magazine, worked at the behavioral science design firm ideas42, directed the Global Gender Parity Initiative at the think tank New America and was a senior fellow in its Better Life Lab. She has also worked on the editorial staffs of Slate, The Atlantic, and Qatar Today Magazine. She graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Dr. Courtney McCluney

Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Cornell University

Dr. Courtney L. McCluney (she/her) is an award winning Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University and an independent consultant and advisor for Fortune 500, nonprofit, and DEI consulting firms. Dr. McCluney’s research investigates organizational processes and norms that perpetuate racial and gender inequity. Her work is featured in several peer reviewed academic publications, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review, and she has been invited to present her work at both national and international conferences.

Dr. McCluney completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, earned her PhD in Psychology at the University of Michigan and BA in Psychology and Interpersonal/Organizational Communications at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a former Research Fellow at Catalyst, Inc. and previously served as an AmeriCorps Social Impact Fellow. Dr. McCluney is a first generation college graduate from High Point, NC. Learn more about her work at her website: https://courtneylmccluney.com/

Dr. Erin Thomas

Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, Upwork

Erin L. Thomas, PhD, is Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Upwork. She is responsible for leading the company’s mission to create economic opportunities so people have better lives by driving the diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIBs) strategy, implementation and coaching. With a strong commitment of making the company a place where people bring their whole selves to work, she works to put dignity, purpose, community and fairness at the center of every working moment.

In 2020, Erin was named to Fortune’s 40 under 40 list as one of the most influential people in technology. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company and BBC, as well as recognized by Forbes, Human Rights Campaign, the National Association for Female Executives, and Equal Opportunity Magazine. Prior to Upwork, Erin was a Managing Director at Paradigm, a diversity and inclusion consultancy, and held DIBs positions at Grant Thornton LLP and Argonne National Laboratory. She holds a PhD in social psychology; a Master of Philosophy in social psychology; a Master of Science in social psychology; and Bachelors of Arts in psychology and international studies from Yale University.