Sign In

Davar Ardalan

Founder at IVOW AI, Inc.

Davar Ardalan is a veteran journalist and media executive currently serving as the Executive Producer of Audio at National Geographic.15 In this role, she oversees the award-winning podcast series "Overheard," the narrative limited series "Into the Depths," and new ventures into spatial audio via Nat Geo's Soundbank.15

Prior to joining National Geographic in August 2020, Ardalan had a distinguished career spanning various roles:

  1. NPR News: She worked at NPR for over two decades, rising from a production assistant to senior producer roles on shows like "Weekend Edition" and "Morning Edition".13

  2. White House Presidential Innovation Fellowship Program: Ardalan served as the deputy director, focusing on chronicling innovation within American federal agencies.4

  3. IVOW AI: She founded this startup focusing on cultural intelligence in artificial intelligence.3

  4. SecondMuse: Ardalan worked as Director of Storytelling & Engagement, leading system storytelling for various partners including NASA, Nike Inc., and The World Bank.2

Ardalan has received numerous accolades for her work, including:

  • An Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2014 for individual achievement and promoting cultural unity13
  • A NASA Team Leadership award for Space Apps3
  • Multiple awards in 2022, including an Ambie award, a Webby Award, and three Anthem Awards3

She is also an author, having written the memoir "My Name Is Iran: A century of family tales from two beloved but divided homelands, Iran and America".2 Ardalan is known for her expertise in emerging technologies, inclusivity, and cross-platform storytelling.46

Highlights

Aug 7 · linkedin

BIG NEWS: I’ve just accepted a position as AI Strategist, Senior at Booz Allen Hamilton.

I’m looking forward to this opportunity, driving responsible AI integration, benefiting citizens and communities while serving our federal agencies.

My journey through media and startups has been enriching and transformative, and I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to make meaningful impact in an emerging space.

If you’re interested in AI, federal innovation, or just want to catch up, feel free to reach out.

Booz Allen has a rich history of innovation, partnering with agencies like the VA, HHS, DoD, and NASA. Excitingly, Booz Allen recently deployed a generative AI model on the International Space Station.

This remote role offers me the chance to work on groundbreaking projects while enjoying a better work-life balance with my family. Thank you Maura Lowell and Stephanie Leopard for your leadership and for believing in me.

Also, the book I’m co-authoring, “AI and Community” comes out in 2025. It will capture the exciting developments in AI and Cultural Heritage that I’ve been so passionately leading at IVOW and TulipAI. Thank you Lucy McClune of Taylor & Francis Group.

May 29 · linkedin

Inspired by NPR’s annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, we’ve produced a new reading using AI voices from ElevenLabs.

We researched their ethical guidelines and believe they are one of the best platforms for synthetic voice.

At TulipAI, we're training journalists on the use of AI in newsrooms and testing the production value of these tools for voiceovers and historical reenactments. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding and integrating AI effectively.

When I was in the early days of NPR, splicing tape, they called me "scissor hands." Today, AI allows me to save 40% of my time with new editing software that enhances audio quality and helps me produce work much more efficiently. It's a fact that AI boosts creativity and saves time and money.

In my 3-part podcast series "AI and Media Insights," I share many more tools: https://lnkd.in/eG2ag-cz

ONA Media and AI Trainings coming up:

July 24: https://lnkd.in/dBTbem6A

August 15: https://lnkd.in/eNh2R-zF

Jared Easley Podcast Movement Online News Association

Related Questions

What inspired Davar Ardalan to transition from journalism to audio production?
How has Davar Ardalan's work at National Geographic impacted the podcast industry?
What are some of the key themes explored in the podcast series "Overheard"?
How does Davar Ardalan incorporate cultural intelligence into her AI projects?
What challenges has Davar Ardalan faced in her career, and how has she overcome them?
Davar Ardalan
Davar Ardalan, photo 1
Davar Ardalan, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Washington D.C. Metro Area