2026 Notable Diverse Leaders

These 21 notable leaders across industries not only represent a range of diverse groups; they also work to ensure everyone has a place at the table at their institutions and in their communities.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.

2026 Notable Diverse Leaders

Yohanis Shitta

Yohanis Shitta

Director of operations and programs, The Lift Garage
In his first year at The Lift Garage, Yohanis Shitta has strengthened operations, advancing the Minneapolis-based organization’s mission to provide low-cost, high-quality car repair as a pathway out of poverty. Shitta
Sanjay P. Singh

Sanjay P. Singh

Executive vice president, chief clinical executive, Allina Health
Epileptologist and neurologist Sanjay P. Singh joined Allina Health as president of its Brain and Spine Institute in 2022, before becoming executive vice president and chief clinical executive in 2024.
ThaoMee Xiong

ThaoMee Xiong

Executive and network director, Coalition of Asian American Leaders
ThaoMee Xiong leads the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) nonprofit, a statewide network of roughly 6,200 Asian American leaders. During Operation Metro Surge, Xiong accepted the governor’s invitation to