Megan Smith

Megan Smith, an award-winning entrepreneur and engineer, earned both her Bachelor of Science (1986) and Master of Science (1988) in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with her master’s thesis completed at the MIT Media Lab. Her early career included significant contributions at startups such as Apple in Tokyo and General Magic in Mountain View, California, where she served as a product design lead on pioneering smartphone technologies. In 1996, Smith joined PlanetOut, a leading LGBTQ online community, initially as COO before being appointed CEO in 1998. Under her leadership, PlanetOut expanded strategic partnerships, developed innovative business models, increased revenue, and successfully merged with Gay.com.

She also co-founded the Malala Fund, advocating for girls’ education globally, and serves on the boards of esteemed organizations including MIT, Vital Voices, and LA2028, continuing her advocacy for STEM education and diversity in technology. In 2017, she helped launch the Tech Jobs Tour and was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering. The following year, in 2018, Smith was further elected as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, underscoring her ongoing influence in global policy and technology leadership.