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Linda Raftree

MERL Tech Initiative Founder, NYC Tech Salon Convener, Certified Privacy Professional, Trust and Safety Advisor

Linda Raftree is a prominent figure in the fields of digital development and responsible data use, serving as the Founder of The MERL Tech Initiative since 2014. Based in the Greater New York City area, she has extensive experience at the intersection of community development, gender issues, youth participatory media, and rights-based approaches to digital development. Raftree is also recognized for her work on ethical digital data governance and digital safeguarding in humanitarian and social impact sectors.123

Professional Background

  • The MERL Tech Initiative: This platform focuses on enhancing the understanding and application of technology in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL). It aims to facilitate discussions on the responsible use of digital tools in these areas, emphasizing equity and justice while mitigating potential harms associated with technology.23
  • Previous Roles: Raftree has held various advisory positions with organizations such as UNICEF, Mastercard Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation. She has contributed to developing responsible data policies and practices for numerous NGOs and foundations.134

Current Projects

Raftree is involved in several key initiatives:

  • Supporting the Mastercard Foundation in tech-enabled MERL strategies.
  • Developing guidelines for safe group moderation with Save the Children.
  • Advising The Asia Foundation on responsible data governance.13

Expertise

Linda Raftree is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP & CIPM) and has authored multiple reports and toolkits related to digital safety and responsible data practices. Her work emphasizes not only the practical applications of technology but also the ethical implications of its use in vulnerable contexts.234

Through her leadership at The MERL Tech Initiative and other collaborations, she continues to influence the discourse around technology's role in social impact work, advocating for safe and inclusive digital practices.

Highlights

Aug 29 · linkedin

I'm going to be on a virtual panel titled "Protecting Girls Online: Are We Doing Enough?" co-hosted by Plan International and CNN As Equals on Sept 12, 9-10.15 am ET.

We'll discuss the findings of a report by Plan and CNN As Equals that asked girls and young women about online safety. We'll also discuss the effectiveness of current legislative measures, including the US' proposed Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

Agenda: Opening remarks: by Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director, White House Gender Policy Council

Moderator: Eliza Anyangwe, Managing Editor, CNN As Equals

Panelists: -Cailin Crockett, Senior Advisor, White House Gender Policy Council -Shanna Marzilli, President & CEO, Plan International USA  -Linda Raftree, MERL Tech Initiative Founder, NYC Tech Salon Convener  -Hiqmat Saani, Digital & Creative Entrepreneur, Tech, and Gender Activist -Meera Senthilingam, Editor, CNN As Equals

RSVP now to save your seat! https://lnkd.in/e8QfFhJg

Check out the interactive story: https://lnkd.in/exkBXMeK

Read the report: https://lnkd.in/eEQBA6vD

Take a look at CNN's year-long series called "System Error": https://lnkd.in/e474HU7J

Aug 28 · linkedin

On September 20, 9-11am, the New York City Tech Salon will meet in-person for “How can Global Public Deliberation Shape AI?” At this closed-door conversation, we’ll discuss the potential of, and practical steps towards, inclusive global citizen deliberation on AI.

We'll be joined by: Tim Davies, Director of Research and Practice at Connected by Data; Helene Landemore, Professor of Political Science, Yale University & Fellow of Ethics in AI Institute, University of Oxford; Aish Machani & Richard Wilson, ISWE Foundation / Coalition for a Global Citizens Assembly; Kiito Shilongo, Senior Tech Policy Fellow, Mozilla; and Lina Srivastava, Founder, Center for Transformational Change

Key discussion points will include: -Why do we need global citizen deliberation to guide the future of AI? -How can we learn from existing practice on AI and related topics such as climate governance? -Which questions could be put to global publics? -Who should set the agenda and participate in an assembly? What forms can an assembly take? Where are opportunities to advance practice designs?

RSVP now! https://lnkd.in/gRzVeZK8

Related Questions

What are some notable projects Linda Raftree has led at The MERL Tech Initiative?
How does The MERL Tech Initiative contribute to global development?
What is the role of the MERL Tech conference in the initiative's mission?
How does Linda Raftree ensure ethical digital practices in her work?
What are the key areas of focus for The MERL Tech Initiative?
Linda Raftree
Linda Raftree, photo 1
Linda Raftree, photo 2
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Location

New York City Metropolitan Area