Above Photo: 2024 O4U Conference.
BIO
Lee O. Ahlborn (they/them) is an equitable talent strategist, educator, artist, and advocate for systems-level justice, based in the Greater Boston area. A graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in Communication, Lee began their career in Chicago’s theatre for young audiences scene, working as a production stage manager, teaching artist, and arts administrator with a youth empowerment and anti-adultism lens. Their experience includes work with non-profit arts organizations such as Chicago Children’s Theatre, Adventure Stage Chicago, Mudlark Theater, and Filament Theatre, where they served as a board member and chaired the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access committee.
Lee also has a background in sexual health and sexual violence prevention education rooted in the reproductive justice (RJ) framework, defined by the Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice in Chicago in 1994. They have collaborated with the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and Northwestern University to create participatory theatre experiences, blending performance, education, and activism in youth-centered spaces.
Since 2018, Lee has brought their values of collaboration, equity, and inclusion into the corporate world. As a Senior Specialist on Bain & Company’s DEI Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence team, they lead bias-aware recruiting initiatives, engage with community talent partners, and embed equity into hiring practices. Lee is a culture carrier with extensive experience developing and facilitating DEI-related trainings and affinity group programming. They co-lead Pride at Bain in the Boston office and became the firm’s inaugural Global Trans & Non-binary Lead in 2024.
Lee’s work is grounded in inclusive storytelling, systems thinking, and a passion for cultivating spaces where everyone can thrive. Outside of work, Lee loves spending time outside (especially in the woods and at the beach), making elaborate meals for people they love, and adding to the ever-growing stack of books on their bedside table.