The Board of Directors of Rainbow Railroad is pleased to announce the appointment of Ilana Landsberg-Lewis as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026.
Ilana joins Rainbow Railroad with more than three decades of leadership in global human rights, gender justice, and philanthropy. A labour and human rights lawyer by training, she is
recognized for her ability to build organizations rooted in justice and partnership.
As co-founder and former Executive Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Ilana led one of Canada’s most respected international solidarity organizations, directing more than $140 million to grassroots partners at the frontlines of the HIV pandemic across sub-Saharan Africa.
Her earlier work with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and her ongoing collaboration with feminist and LGBTQI+ networks worldwide reflect a lifelong commitment to intersectional, community-centered leadership. “Ilana brings to this work an unmatched combination of wisdom, experience, insight, and compassion,” said Bruce Koff, Chair of Rainbow Railroad’s Board of Directors. “In these extraordinarily challenging times, she is the right person at the right time to inspire hope, build trust, and empower an expansive global partnership to ensure the safety and well-being of forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ people.”
Becky McFarlane, who has served as Interim CEO since 2024 added: “Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to stabilize, strengthen, and reimagine what’s next for Rainbow Railroad. Finding the right person to lead this next chapter was critical. Ilana understands the urgency of this work, the weight of it, and the hope that drives it. Our team and community will be in strong, compassionate hands.”
In her own words, Ilana shared her vision for the work ahead: “At a time when LGBTQI+ people are being forcibly displaced and targeted across the globe, leadership has to mean listening, building trust, and sharing power. My focus is on strengthening Rainbow Railroad’s ability to move resources to where they’re needed most, and to amplify the leadership of those with lived experience. This work is about collective courage and care, and I’m deeply honoured to work alongside such a formidable team.”
Ilana will be based in New York City and maintaining close ties to Toronto and Rainbow Railroad’s Canadian operations. This reflects the organization’s cross-border identity and growing global reach.
Rainbow Railroad continues to expand its work providing pathways to safety, humanitarian assistance, post-relocation integration, refugee leadership, and advocacy for LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution.