Thao Lemus (pronounced "Tao Le-moose") is the Direct Services Accelerator Coordinator at ICA. She is responsible for supporting the 2025 Lab and Accelerator cohorts and is passionate about fulfilling ICA's mission to close the racial and gender wealth gaps as much as possible.

Prior to joining ICA, Thao most recently started two small businesses and program managed another accelerator focused on alleviating poverty internationally. Prior to that, she spent almost a decade in the aviation industry with roles ranging from learning to fly planes to planning airports with several cross functional teams at different consultancies and public agencies, such as Los Angeles World Airports and San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Thao received her Bachelor's in Urban Studies and Planning from University of California, San Diego.

Outside of work, you can find her trying to sharpen her floral design skills, getting some sun in the garden, and enjoying the moments in between with her husband, son, and goldendoodle.