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Sasha Rubel
AI and DATA for the good of People and the Planet - TECH FOR GOOD - Amazon Web Services
Professional Background
Sasha Rubel is a distinguished Franco-American professional renowned for her invaluable contributions to the field of technology and development. With a rich multicultural background, she has spent a significant portion of her life in Africa, which has shaped her understanding of global dynamics and the importance of technology in fostering positive change. Today, Sasha serves as the Public Policy Lead for Artificial Intelligence, Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Her role involves advising governments, corporations, non-profits, and other change-makers on how to harness the power of artificial intelligence and data. She works tirelessly to unlock the potential of technology to improve lives and create a more sustainable future.
Sasha's approach is centered around inclusivity and sustainability. She is particularly passionate about empowering individuals with the necessary skills to create a future that is not only tech-enabled but also deeply human-centered. By translating complex technological concepts into concrete policies and programs, she plays a pivotal role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Education and Achievements
Sasha’s academic journey is as impressive as her professional one. She holds several degrees, including a Master of Arts in Anthropology, New Media and Technology from the prestigious École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, where she graduated summa cum laude. She also studied at Brown University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, graduating magna cum laude with high honors. In addition to her formal education, Sasha has further cultivated her knowledge through guest studies at Harvard University, and she has completed her PhD coursework in Anthropology at EHESS. Her extensive academic background provides her with a unique vantage point to approach policy-making from an informed and culturally sensitive perspective.
Among her most notable achievements are receiving the Public Diplomacy Innovation Prize from the White House during President Obama’s administration, a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to diplomacy. She has played a key role in facilitating the EU-AU Digital Economy Task Force and launched the EU-AU Partnership for Digital Transformation in collaboration with high-profile leaders including Chancellor Merkel of Germany and several prime ministers. Beyond her work in international diplomacy, Sasha is credited with opening the first free coding school for girls in Senegal, in partnership with Orange, which earned her the GEM-TECH Award for gender mainstreaming in ICTs from the ITU and UN Women. This initiative highlights her commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology, ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to pursue careers in the tech industry.
Sasha also made significant contributions to governance in the Gambia by leading the revision of the constitution following democratic elections. Her efforts to promote ethical standards in technology are underscored by her leadership role in organizing the first UNESCO global conference on Artificial Intelligence, which was pivotal in establishing standard policies for the ethics of AI. Additionally, she played a critical role in the Internet Governance Forum that led to the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace.
Skills and Expertise
Sasha Rubel is a multi-talented professional with expertise in public policy, digital innovation, and community transformation. Her vast experience spans various roles within UNESCO, including as Programme Specialist in Digital Innovation and Transformation and as Regional Advisor for Communication and Information at the UNESCO Regional Office for West Africa. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership skills and the ability to forge strategic alliances across diverse sectors.
With a strong foundation in anthropology and technology policy, Sasha successfully navigates the complex intersection of these fields. Her understanding of cultural practices enriches her approach to implementing technology-driven solutions that resonate with local communities. By promoting education and capacity building, she empowers individuals across the globe to become active participants in shaping their digital futures.
Sasha's work is guided by a profound commitment to fostering diversity within the tech industry. She believes that a diverse and inclusive tech environment is essential to building societies that mirror the values and aspirations of the communities they serve. Her advocacy extends beyond professional settings; she is a passionate champion for social equality and accessibility within the tech sphere.
Personal Commitments
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Sasha Rubel is deeply dedicated to mentorship and empowering young leaders in the tech space. She actively participates in initiatives that aim to create pathways for underrepresented groups in technology, providing guidance and support to the next generation of innovators. Her mission to build a tech industry that reflects societal diversity is an integral part of her identity.
Sasha’s holistic approach to technology and diplomacy, combined with her extensive educational background and a vast array of professional achievements, positions her as a leading voice in global discussions about digital transformation. She exemplifies what it means to be a change-maker, leveraging technology for the greater good and spearheading initiatives that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on numerous communities worldwide.
Achievements
- Public Diplomacy Innovation Prize: Awarded by the White House under President Obama for innovative contributions to international diplomacy and public engagement.
- EU-AU Partnership for Digital Transformation: Successfully led the facilitation of the EU-AU Digital Economy Task Force alongside notable global leaders, enhancing collaborative efforts in digital innovation.
- Free Coding School in Senegal: Initiated the first free coding school for girls in Senegal with support from Orange, fostering education and empowerment for young women in tech.
- GEM-TECH Award: Received from ITU and UN Women for gender mainstreaming in ICTs, highlighting her dedication to inclusivity in the technology sector.
- Constitutional Revision in the Gambia: Played a crucial role in leading constitutional revisions following democratic elections to strengthen governance and democracy in the country.
- Global AI Conference: Organized the inaugural UNESCO global conference on Artificial Intelligence, guiding the establishment of ethical standards in AI development and use.
- Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace: Contributed to the Internet Governance Forum, which resulted in a significant diplomatic consensus on cybersecurity and trust in technology.
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