Kartemquin Films

Betsy Leonard is one half of the Artistic Director/Executive Director shared leadership team at Kartemquin. A passionate leader, strategist, and connector of people and ideas, she has dedicated her career to social justice. She made Heartland Alliance her professional home for more than 25 years, working in a variety of roles in human resources, engagement, development, and strategy. She brings the “hard skills” of running an organization and insight into culture and change management in highly diverse work environments. She’s worked with donors, board members, and community and corporate partners, and as an HR and culture leader Betsy created and implemented leadership development programs, fellowships, and programs aimed at building resilience and investments in staff. Betsy is passionate about collective care, racial equity, and the value of lived experience—and she centers these issues in her work. She draws from healing-centered, anti-racist, and restorative teachings in her culture and workforce development programming. She is a 2016 University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy Fellow and a supporter of independent media, arts, and journalism. In her spare time you can find her making art and jewelry, dreaming about her next motorcycle, and planning camping trips with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs.