Linda Raftree

Speaker Bio

Linda Raftree founded the MERL Tech Initiative (MTI) in 2014, building on two decades of work at the intersection of community development, gender, youth participatory media, rights-based approaches and digital development. She is a well-known expert on responsible data approaches; AI policy and governance; inclusive digital approaches; safeguarding and safe tech-enabled program design; tech-enabled monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL); and impact measurement of digital programming.

Linda leads sector-wide convenings through MTI and the NYC Technology Salon, including an 1800+ member AI+MERL Community of Practice. She advises a range of foundations and global organizations on safe, responsible use of AI and other digital technologies, with a focus on LMICs, the domestic social sector, and the public sector.

Linda is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP & CIPM), serves on the SAFE AI Experts Pool, and teaches AI and MERL at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).