Ispra, Lombardy, Italy
Digital technology is intrinsically intertwined with the social, ethical and political environments in which it operates. Prior to joining the European Commission, I influenced global tech policy and digital transformation to foster social innovation in line with fundamental rights and values, as a university faculty member and by consulting with governments, regional institutions, and the UN. Earlier in my career, I advised companies and stakeholders on how to drive the advancement of human rights and sustainability throughout value chains within the ICT, technology, automotive, financial, and public sectors. I have led programs and teams to shape online freedom of expression and data privacy issues in the context that ICT and digital technology in driving change at the pace, scale and efficiency required in modern society. Issue expertise in: International policy, human rights, data privacy, digital identity, public policy of emerging technologies including blockchain and AI, online freedom of expression, digital social innovation. Some of my career achievements: • Set unified standards and spurred innovation across member states by developing EU digital policy. • Ensured quality of data protection (GDPR) policies and guidelines through serving as subject matter expert on blockchain, DLT, and AI. • Facilitated dialogue between regulators and innovators to deploy new technologies into the EU market. • Galvanized political support for $1B government-backed social bond with Goldman Sachs. • Enabled 13 companies, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Verizon Media, etc. to comply with digital rights principles through Global Network Initiative. • Enabled C-Suites to shape public policy positions, including on LGBTI, climate change, and immigration, through collaboration with OHCHR and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Pro bono leadership: • Co-Lead and Senior Fellow, Business and Human Rights Pillar, Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research, The Wharton School • Board Member (alternate) for academic constituency of Global Network Initiative • Founding Co-chair, Business & Human Rights WG under PRME, UN Global Compact, till 2020 International experience: Originally from Germany, I lived and worked in the US for more than 11 years and have work experience in Italy, Brussels, Switzerland, Cambodia, and the UK. I am currently based in Ispra (IT for my role at the intersection of law, policy, and tech at the European Commission. I am passionate about interior design, hospitality, Italian culture and food, and enjoy ballroom dancing and crafts.
Providing legal support to the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) with the mission to contribute to a safer and trusted online environment for people and business.
Data Steward (since 10/2022); responsible for work on digital policy and legislative files; regulatory sandboxing (blockchain and AI); digital markets and digital services.
Areas of responsibility: Lead pan-European sandboxing initiative; data protection & innovative technologies; sustainable tech; legal and regulatory aspects of blockchain, the digital Euro, digital identity, and smart contracts.
At Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research Partnered with Microsoft, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and NYU Stern
Multi-stakeholder initiative in ICT & Telecoms and its 13 companies, including: Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Verizon Media
Partners & Stakeholders: Goldman Sachs and 30+ Fortune 100 companies, World Economic Forum, UN Human Rights Office, UNHCR, ICRC, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Reed Smith, 20 governments, EU (EEAS, EC, EP, CEB) In 2018-2019 projects were under the ambit of the Center for Justice and Accountability, San Francisco