About Us
OPEN Foundation is a collective of LGBTQIA+ professionals empowering marginalized talent through affirming career fairs, transformative mentorship, and community. One in six of us live in poverty. Inspired to change the numbers? We're OPEN.
Our Values
Belonging
We host safe spaces (online and in person) where LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized professionals connect and uplift each other.
Empowerment
From mentorship to skill-building, we equip job seekers with the tools, confidence, and connections to land careers they deserve.
Equity
We melt walls to socio economic opportunity by connecting our developed talent with affirming employers, smoothing the playing field to fabulous.
Collaboration
We rise together—partnering with corporate sponsors, other nonprofits, and community members who put action behind their values.
Authenticity
Your whole self is your most beautiful, valuable asset. We champion workplaces where LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC are celebrated credentials.
OUR VISION
A world where LGBTQIA+ and marginalized talent more than belong in every workforce—they lead, thrive, and transform industries on their own terms.
OUR MISSION
To empower LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized professionals in their careers and connect job seekers with affirming employers who are actually safe.
Our Advisory Board & Community
OPEN’s work is strengthened by a diverse advisory board and community of leaders with lived experience across industries, identities, and perspectives. Their guidance helps keep our work grounded, inclusive, and responsive to the people we serve.
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Executive Director
Laura Paisley Beck
She/they
A seasoned entrepreneur, podcast host, author, and brand consultant, Laura brings deep corporate experience into community-centered work. As Executive Director, she leads OPEN’s mission, partnerships across corporate and nonprofit spaces, and funding initiatives that fuel sustainable impact.
A big-picture thinker and relationship builder at heart, Laura is known for helping mission-driven organizations grow without losing what makes them human. She’s currently collaborating with fellow queer entrepreneurs on The Growth Studio, a space focused on helping values-led work scale with clarity, creativity, and care.