Umbreen Bhatti is the Chief Executive Officer of Springboard Enterprises, the world-leading accelerator advancing women-led innovation. Appointed in June 2025, Bhatti brings a dynamic and future-facing perspective to Springboard, with a career rooted in leadership development, social impact, storytelling, and cross-sector innovation.
Prior to joining Springboard, Umbreen served as the Constance Hess Williams ’66 Director of the Athena Center for Leadership at Barnard College. There, she led a transformative relaunch of the center, establishing it as a vibrant hub for changemakers across all stages of leadership, and oversaw the Athena Film Festival, which just celebrated its 15th year. Her earlier work includes leading the innovation lab at KQED, the Bay Area’s NPR and PBS affiliate, where she introduced new approaches to public media engagement. Earlier in her career, she practiced law.
Umbreen’s leadership is defined by her belief in the transformative power of bold ideas and the people who bring them to life. She is passionate about elevating women founders and driving access to the capital, visibility, and community they deserve. She currently serves on the boards of several media organizations, reflecting her ongoing dedication to civic storytelling and public discourse: Catchlight, Global Press, and The Bell.
Under her stewardship, Springboard continues to expand its global footprint and support the growth of women-led companies through its renowned accelerator programs, strategic partnerships, and powerful network of advisors and investors.
