Lyel Resner

Visiting Faculty, Head of Public Interest Technology Studio at Cornell Tech

Lyel Resner is a distinguished professional with a profound background in launching and expanding innovative products, services, and organizations that marry technology and societal impact.

Currently, Lyel serves as the Visiting Faculty and Head of the Public Interest Technology Studio at Cornell Tech, overseeing program development for over 400 graduate students with a focus on leveraging tech for a more equitable world. He is also the co-leader of the Startups & Society Initiative (SSI), a notable non-profit research project supported by prominent entities like Ford, OSF, and Omidyar.

At SSI, Lyel was instrumental in establishing the Responsible Innovation Founders Summit, an annual gathering that attracts over 700 global tech leaders, and published the Responsible Innovation Primer for Founders, distilled from interviews with influential figures in the tech and civil society realms on responsible tech company building.

Prior to his current role, Lyel co-founded Swayable, a company utilizing data science to craft compelling media for renowned advocacy groups, social and political campaigns, and brands like the ACLU, Airbnb, and the Biden-Harris Campaign.

His tenure at The Flatiron School, a premier institution for web and mobile development, saw him as an early executive leading initiatives in collaboration with the White House and New York City on groundbreaking economic mobility projects. Under his guidance, Flatiron Precollege experienced significant growth, expanded operations to multiple cities, achieved substantial revenue increase, and developed teacher-training programs.

A sought-after speaker, Lyel has shared his insights at prestigious events and institutions globally such as Google, Techonomy, MIT, Harvard, and more, along with having his work featured in renowned publications like Wired, Fast Company, and Techcrunch.

Lyel's educational journey includes degrees in Physics and Political Science from MIT and advanced studies in Business, Media + Technology, and Education from NYU. He is also an alumnus of the World Economic Forum Global Shaper program.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Lyel finds joy in surfing, indulging in LGBTQ+ literature, savoring guava soda, and engaging in air-drumming while commuting on the subway.