Lorraine Hariton is the former President & CEO of Catalyst, a global nonprofit working with the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women.

Catalyst’s vision and mission to accelerate progress for women through workplace inclusion has been a lifelong passion for Lorraine. She is honored to lead the organization and help write the next chapter in its 60-year legacy.

Lorraine brings a diverse and robust background in technology, innovation, and partnership to her role at Catalyst. Her extensive career includes senior-level positions in Silicon Valley and leadership roles across the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. In 2009, President Obama appointed her to the Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the US Department of State. Most recently, Lorraine was Senior Vice President for Global Partnerships at the New York Academy of Sciences.

Lorraine has been involved in women’s advancement and leadership initiatives throughout her career. At the New York Academy of Sciences, she created the Global STEM Alliance and its 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures program, a global mentoring initiative to help girls pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

At the US Department of State, Lorraine established the Global Entrepreneurship Program, the WECREATE program for women entrepreneurs, and the Secretary’s Council on Women’s Leadership. She has served on several boards of organizations committed to advancing women in the workplace, including the UN Women Global Innovation Coalition for Change, the Stanford Clayman Institute for Gender Research, and Watermark.

Lorraine is the proud mother of Glen and Laura and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She is also an accomplished triathlete who enjoys cycling, tennis, and all things outdoors. Lorraine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences from Stanford University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.

Watch Lorraine Hariton’s keynote speech at 2023 Catalyst Awards.

Learn about Catalyst’s evolution and our new Frontline Employees Initiative.