James Heighington is Google’s Global Head of Diversity Strategy working to re-imagine the company’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Previously, Heighington was Chief Digital Officer at GLAAD where he founded a collaboration with Google’s parent company to combat bias in artificial intelligence. 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.

Heighington 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 served on the advisory board for Lesbians Who Tech and is a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

Heighington is a contributor to CNN, The Economist, the Webby Awards, 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).