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KR Liu
Global Head of Disability Innovation Marketing at Google | 2024 Cannes Glass Lion Jury | FastCo Queer 50 | ADWEEK Creative 100 | Presidential Appointee - US Access Board | US Congressional Award
Professional Background
KR Liu is a highly accomplished marketing executive specializing in both hardware and software, known for her unwavering advocacy for inclusive and equal access. With over 25 years of extensive experience in the technology sector, KR has consistently driven innovative marketing and product initiatives that prioritize support for the diverse disabled community. Her remarkable career has been shaped by a personal commitment that stems from her own experience with severe hearing loss, fueling her dedication to effecting meaningful change.
As the Global Head of Disability Innovation at Google’s Brand Studio, KR leads groundbreaking efforts to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to technology and opportunities. Her exceptional leadership skills and expertise in the marketing field have not only garnered her recognition as a passionate thought leader but also placed her at the forefront of important movements advocating for disability inclusion, gender equality, and LGBTQ rights across the technology and marketing landscapes.
Education and Achievements
KR Liu boasts a noteworthy educational background, having studied for a Certificate in Leadership Training at the prestigious Center for Creative Leadership. Furthermore, she holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Heald Institute of Technology. This solid educational foundation has been instrumental in equipping her with both the technical knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel in her career.
Over the years, KR has achieved significant milestones, including her successful lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill that led to the passage of the Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017. This landmark legislation, signed into law by the President, not only established a new retail channel for hearing aids but also enabled them to be sold over the counter in major retailers such as Best Buy. KR's advocacy work culminated in this remarkable achievement, making a substantial difference in the lives of individuals with hearing loss.
Notable Contributions and Impact
KR Liu is also recognized for her numerous contributions to initiatives focusing on inclusive design, brand marketing, and policy advocacy. She serves on several boards and has played vital roles in organizations such as Deaf Kids Code and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). Recently, she was appointed by President Biden to the United States Access Board, where she continues to influence policy and action for improved accessibility in public spaces.
Her commitment and activism have not gone unnoticed within the industry. KR's accolades include the prestigious U.S. Congressional Award, and in 2024, she will take her seat as a juror for the Cannes Lion Glass. She received nominations for the ADCOLOR AD OF THE YEAR Award and the Most Valuable Partnership Award in 2023. In 2022, she was honored on the FastCo Queer 50 list and named one of ADAGE's Leading Women. Other notable recognitions include appearing on Yahoo Finance's Top 50 Future Women’s Leaders List and being honored as Silicon Valley’s Top 40 Under 40. Her influence in the marketing and technology sectors is further evidenced by her nominations for various industry awards, including the ADWEEK Creative 100 and the ADCOLOR Rockstar Award.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, KR has held several influential positions that have allowed her to champion disability inclusion and drive innovation within the marketing realm. She previously served as the Global Head of Brand Accessibility at Google, where she focused on creating accessible branding strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. In her role as the Principal Accessibility Marketing Lead at Amazon Lab126, she ensured that accessibility was prioritized in product development and marketing initiatives.
KR has also lent her expertise to organizations responsible for shaping the future of technology. As an advisor at X, the moonshot factory, and a former Advisory Board member at SXSW, she has contributed invaluable insights that have shaped projects aimed at pushing boundaries in technology and enhancing accessibility.
In addition to her strategic roles, KR's experience spans various sales and marketing positions, including her tenure as the Global Director of Sales and Business Development at Uncommon and Director of Sales at HoMedics. These experiences have provided her with a well-rounded perspective that informs her advocacy for inclusivity in technology.
Community Engagement
KR Liu’s engagement extends beyond her professional life; she is deeply committed to community service and engagement with organizations that uplift underrepresented voices. By serving on various boards, including the Board of Directors for Deaf Kids Code and the Hearing Loss Association of America, she actively works towards creating educational opportunities and resources for children and adults with disabilities. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive environment is infectious, inspiring those around her to contribute to these important causes.
Conclusion
With an impressive blend of experience, advocacy, and leadership, KR Liu continues to pave the way for greater inclusivity and accessibility within the technology sector. Her work not only shapes policies and practices that benefit the disabled community but also stands as a testament to what can be achieved when one is dedicated to making a difference. By championing the needs of diverse communities in marketing and product development, KR has become a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring others to join her in the pursuit of equality and opportunity for all.
