Victoria Houed

Victoria Houed is the Director of AI Policy and Strategy at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the government's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into public policy. An engineer by training, Houed transitioned into policy entrepreneurship, focusing on improving the tech policy ecosystem and modernizing government practices.

Background and Education

Victoria Houed holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, with a concentration on nanotechnology and systems engineering. Her educational background laid the foundation for her career in technology and policy.24

Career Path

Before her current role at the Department of Commerce, Houed served as a Manager at Schmidt Futures, where she funded significant science and technology policy initiatives. She educated stakeholders on effectively advocating for their policy ideas within both legislative and executive branches.12 Additionally, she was a TechCongress Congressional Innovation Fellow for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, supporting her on various technology-related issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, including broadband access and data privacy.123

In her earlier career, Houed worked as a Software Engineer and Product Manager at Cards Against Humanity. She also founded a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting Black women in technology called BlackByte, and contributed to various engineering projects for artists in her hometown of Chicago.23

Current Role

In her capacity as Director of AI Policy and Strategy, Houed is responsible for navigating the complexities of AI implementation within government workflows. She engages with various stakeholders to ensure ethical usage of AI technologies while fostering innovation in public policy.12 Additionally, she serves as a Senior Advisor at the POPVOX Foundation, where she leads strategic planning for government modernization efforts.3

Public Engagement

Houed actively participates in discussions about AI's role in society, contributing to events such as panels on AI innovation in the public sector. Her work emphasizes the importance of informed dialogue around emerging technologies to foster understanding among policymakers, journalists, and civil society leaders.12

Overall, Victoria Houed's career reflects a commitment to bridging technology and policy, with a focus on ensuring that advancements in AI are utilized responsibly within government frameworks.