Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who is Leon Burns?
- Career Highlights
- DEIB Initiatives
- Community Engagement
- Awards and Recognition
- FAQs
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, few individuals have made as significant an impact as Leon Burns. As a visionary leader, Burns has dedicated his career to promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) within the technology sector. His journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a trailblazer in tech leadership serves as an inspiration to many.
2. Who is Leon Burns?
Leon Burns is the President and CEO of Open Technology Group (OTG), a company renowned for its commitment to delivering innovative technology solutions to federal clients. A Hampton University alumnus, Burns has consistently leveraged his platform to advocate for underrepresented communities in STEM fields.
3. Career Highlights
- Educational Background: Burns earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Hampton University and an MBA from Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus.
- Professional Journey: Before ascending to the role of President and CEO at OTG, Burns gained experience in various roles, including ground operations, help desk, management, and quality assurance.
- Innovations in Tech: Burns pioneered data migration strategies early in his career, creating automated data platforms that track project progressions and forecast IT infrastructure deficiencies for government clients.
4. DEIB Initiatives
Burns is a staunch advocate for DEIB in the tech industry. His initiatives include:
- Scholarship Programs: In 2023, Burns committed $100,000 to establish the DEIB in Black Analytics scholarship at Hampton University’s James T. George School of Business. This initiative aims to support African American students pursuing careers in data analytics.
- Workforce Diversity: Under his leadership, OTG has constructed teams with 95% minority representation and 37% women, setting a benchmark for diversity in the tech sector.
- Community Outreach: Burns has sponsored STEM programs and mental health support initiatives for marginalized communities, ranging from grade school to college levels.
5. Community Engagement
Beyond his professional endeavors, Burns is deeply involved in community service:
- Mental Health Advocacy: He co-chairs an annual Lung Cancer Walk/Run, raising over $140K since its inception, and serves on the LUNGevity Coordinating Committee for Fundraising in the Washington, DC area.
- Youth Mentorship: Burns has been instrumental in organizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) symposiums for African American youth, aiming to break down social barriers in the IT field.
6. Awards and Recognition
Burns’ contributions have not gone unnoticed:
- Washington Business Journal’s 40 Under 40: Recognized in 2025 for his significant impact in the tech industry and community.
- Business Elite USA Forty Under 40 Award: Honored in 2024 for his leadership and dedication to excellence.
- Hampton University’s Forty Under 40 Award: The youngest recipient, acknowledging his outstanding community service and professional achievements.
7. FAQs
Q1: What is Leon Burns known for?
A1: Leon Burns is renowned for his leadership in promoting DEIB within the tech industry and his community service initiatives.
Q2: How did Leon Burns rise to prominence?
A2: Burns’ innovative approaches in data analytics and his commitment to diversity in tech propelled him to prominence.
Q3: What are the core beliefs of Leon Burns?
A3: Burns believes in the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and excellence in the tech sector.
Q4: How has Leon Burns influenced the tech industry?
A4: Through his leadership at OTG and DEIB initiatives, Burns has set new standards for diversity and inclusion in tech.
Q5: What can we learn from Leon Burns’ career?
A5: Burns’ career teaches the importance of resilience, innovation, and the impact of advocating for underrepresented communities.
8. Conclusion
Leon Burns exemplifies the transformative power of leadership rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. His journey from overcoming personal adversities to becoming a beacon of change in the tech industry underscores the profound impact one individual can have on both their profession and community. For more insights into his work and initiatives, visit https://www.leonmburns.com.