Who we are
Our story began with shared experiences and a common vision for creating meaningful change. Meeting through work and transformative programs like the Leadership for the 21st Century course at Harvard Kennedy School, we connected over deep reflections on our multilayered identities, a love for travel, and our commitment to making an impact. These conversations soon evolved into a powerful collaboration driven by our desire to empower women of color and foster creative, purpose-driven leadership.
Integritās emerged from this vision—a pioneering, BIWOC-led business incubator that combines sector-specific expertise in climate, health, and education with cutting-edge AI4Good technology, regenerative business practices, and purpose-driven investment. At the heart of our approach is the belief that to build successful businesses, we must first nurture the entrepreneur as a whole person, fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and creative leadership.
Together, we bring diverse expertise in technology, sustainability, international development, and business strategy. Our collective backgrounds—from working in international ecosystems to leading creative and social impact initiatives—shape the holistic, transformative approach of Integritās. We are here not just to support BIWOC entrepreneurs in their ventures but to serve as catalysts for personal and collective transformation.
Founding members
Hanae Bezad - Founding Member:
Hanae Bezad is an impact entrepreneur, international project manager, board advisor, curator, and the author of Being Other, a personal reflection on culture, gender, and identity. Her expertise spans government, international development, civil society, and business. Hanae’s work focuses on the intersection of technology, sustainability, inclusion, and entrepreneurship, particularly in supporting the rise of creative feminine leadership. Born and raised in Morocco, she has worked across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, developing and nurturing impact-driven, tech-enabled ventures within diverse communities. Hanae is committed to fostering leadership among Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC), supporting emerging entrepreneurs and cultural innovators driving global impact.
Jimena Barrera - Founding Member:
Jimena Barrera is a seasoned business strategist specializing in tech for good and an advocate for women’s empowerment and adaptive leadership. With over 10 years of international experience across sectors like international development, business consulting, and software, Jimena's journey from a rural Colombian family to Harvard and the global tech industry underscores her commitment to social change. She has lived and worked in five countries across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Currently, Jimena is the Growth Manager at Equilo, a mission-driven startup providing AI-powered gender and ESG tools to the global impact investment ecosystem. She is also a board member of the Harvard Kennedy School Women's Alumni Network and a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo.
