Linda Raftree

Linda Raftree is a prominent figure in the fields of digital development and responsible data use, serving as the Founder of The MERL Tech Initiative since 2014. Based in the Greater New York City area, she has extensive experience at the intersection of community development, gender issues, youth participatory media, and rights-based approaches to digital development. Raftree is also recognized for her work on ethical digital data governance and digital safeguarding in humanitarian and social impact sectors.123

Professional Background

• The MERL Tech Initiative: This platform focuses on enhancing the understanding and application of technology in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL). It aims to facilitate discussions on the responsible use of digital tools in these areas, emphasizing equity and justice while mitigating potential harms associated with technology.23
• Previous Roles: Raftree has held various advisory positions with organizations such as UNICEF, Mastercard Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation. She has contributed to developing responsible data policies and practices for numerous NGOs and foundations.134

Current Projects

Raftree is involved in several key initiatives:

• Supporting the Mastercard Foundation in tech-enabled MERL strategies.
• Developing guidelines for safe group moderation with Save the Children.
• Advising The Asia Foundation on responsible data governance.13

Expertise

Linda Raftree is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP & CIPM) and has authored multiple reports and toolkits related to digital safety and responsible data practices. Her work emphasizes not only the practical applications of technology but also the ethical implications of its use in vulnerable contexts.234

Through her leadership at The MERL Tech Initiative and other collaborations, she continues to influence the discourse around technology's role in social impact work, advocating for safe and inclusive digital practices.