Tech Policy Expertise: Inclusion & diversity

  • Hyeona Kim

    I’m a mission-driven Policy & Program Manager with a global track record across tech, public affairs, and regulatory compliance. At TikTok, I’ve led governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) efforts in monetization, streamlining policy operations while navigating complex global regulations.

  • Helen Sithole

    Helen Sithole, the Legal and ICT Policy Officer for MISA Zimbabwe, is a dedicated legal professional with extensive experience in policy research, tech law, and information rights. Having recently completed a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property & Technology Law, she brings solidified expertise in emerging areas such as AI governance, data privacy, and digital ethics. Her background positions her as a crucial voice in shaping the future of responsible technological advancement, particularly concerning digital human rights and the intersection of technology with societal well-being. She is particularly passionate about translating complex legal concepts into accessible policy recommendations that foster innovation while safeguarding individual liberties in the digital realm.

  • Heather Xiao

    I’m the Founder & CEO of Horizon Zero, a research and advisory partner helping UK and international policymakers, businesses, and entrepreneurs strategise and connect across the Open Banking, Open Finance, and Smart Data ecosystems. We support the creation of customer outcome – focused products, partnerships, and infrastructure.

    Previously, I served as Product & Operations Director at Open Banking Limited (OBL) and was a member of its Executive Committee. I led OBL’s product management, trust framework, participant support, and business development. I also represented OBL in the UK Open Banking Future Entity Working Group in 2023, contributing to the next phase of the UK’s open banking strategy, contributed to Smart Data Council, and chaired the UK Open Banking Participants Forum.

    I’m passionate about enabling secure, scalable, cross-sector data sharing to transform personal and business lives. Over the past decade, I’ve led open data initiatives in financial services, aviation, and consulting, building ecosystems across jurisdictions and regulatory environments. Earlier in my career, I helped global organisations define digital strategy, architect data ecosystems, and design operating models to drive transformation at scale.

    At Horizon Zero, we’re currently developing a Smart Data Research Framework to help ecosystem stakeholders shape infrastructure and services that create value for customers and unlock new business models. Our recent work GlowTrack, a cross-sector prototype identifying heating vulnerability, was named a finalist in the DBT Smart Data Challenge Prize 2025.

    Alongside my executive work, I advise policymakers and boards on translating open data sharing ethics, trust and inclusion into real-world infrastructure. I’m also an Honorary Research Fellow at Warwick Business School and a proud member of the Cranfield 100 Women to Watch, well positioned for non-executive roles and board appointments, including FTSE 350 companies.

  • Gaia Marcus

    Gaia Marcus is Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute. Prior to joining Ada, Gaia was Deputy Director (Advanced Analytics and Local Capabilities) at the Spatial Data Unit within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). In this role, she led on ensuring that data and data-driven analysis were used to support policymaking and service delivery.

    Gaia has extensive experience of leadership roles across the civil service and the non-profit sector. In government she has held roles as Deputy Director (Strategy for the Integrated Data Service) at the Office for National Statistics, Head of Engagement for Civil Service Reform at the Cabinet Office, and Head of National Data Strategy at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

    In the non-profit sector, Gaia specialised in data strategy and participatory approaches to research, innovation and policy. This included roles at Parkinson’s UK, Centrepoint and the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. She also serves on the Samaritans’ Board of Trustees.

  • Elizabeth Anderson

    Elizabeth Anderson is CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, which aims to end digital poverty in the UK once and for all, looking at affordability, digital and media literacy, research and local engagement.  She focusses across advocacy, community building and delivery work, engaging with schools, industry partners, government leads, local authorities and other charities – regularly speaking at conferences and to the media.  Elizabeth’s career has been focussed almost exclusively in the non-profit sector, working in areas including education, disadvantage and healthcare, focussing on strategic development, governance and stakeholder engagement to create social change.  Outside work, she holds charity Trusteeships focusing on heritage and animal welfare, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.  She lives just outside London, in Kent, and enjoys travel, dance and gardening.

  • Elise Soucie Watts

    Elise is the Executive Director of Global Digital Finance (GDF), board member, and also board advisor to several firms on policy & regulatory issues. She is also the co-host of the podcast The Outside Context which considers how technology is impacting the future of civilisation.

    Previously, she was at the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), leading Digital Assets and Data Strategy work, and prior to that she worked at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), across both their Technology, Resilience and Cyber Division. and International Division.

    Named ‘Next Generation Leader of the Year’ at the 2022 Women in Finance Awards UK, and part of the Innovate Finance Standout 45 on the Women in Fintech Powerlist 2024 as a Regulatory and Policy Expert, Elise’s dual public and private sector experience positions her to lead both regulatory advocacy and contribute technical knowledge to support the growth of the digital finance ecosystem.

  • Ella Harvey

    Ella Harvey is an Associate Director for Public Affairs at Bradshaw Advisory, where they advise clients across the public, private, and third sectors on political engagement, policy development, and strategic communications. With deep expertise in navigating Westminster and Whitehall, they help organisations influence legislation and shape public debate on complex and high-profile issues.

    Alongside this, Ella serves as Director of Operations for the Women in Tech Policy Network—a professional network of over 1,000 women working across the tech sector. The network champions greater representation of women in tech policymaking and works to ensure their voices are at the forefront of political and regulatory conversations. In this role, and as a member of the senior leadership team, Ella leads on events, stakeholder engagement, and cross-party collaboration, connecting experts with policymakers to drive more inclusive and forward-thinking tech policy. She is also a board member for the CIPR Public Affairs Committee where she has hosted a range of networking events and advised on the Committee’s direction.

    Previously, Ella was a Policy Advisor at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), where they advised on adult online safety during the development of the Online Safety Bill. Their role included supporting ministers, engaging with industry stakeholders, and helping shape one of the UK’s most significant pieces of digital legislation.

    With a career spanning government, consultancy, and advocacy, Ella brings a sharp understanding of the policy landscape, a strong commitment to equity in tech, and a track record of delivering impact through collaboration and thoughtful strategy.

  • Felicia Anthonio

    Felicia Anthonio is GlobalCampaign Manager – #KeepItOn at Access Now, an organisation which campaigns to promote digital rights and freedom of expression. The #KeepItOn Campaign is global campaign of over 345 organizations that fights against internet shutdowns. Felicia leads the coalition strategic advocacy and campaigns to mobilize and engage various stakeholders to end internet censorship around the globe. Felicia has authored and co-authored several publications on internet shutdowns and hosted the Kill Switch Podcast. Felicia is also an Advisory Council member of the US-based Open Technology Fund (OTF) and a board member of the World Expression Forum (WEXFO), in Norway.

  • Elena Sinel

  • Dr Méabh McCaffrey-Lau

    I’ve spent 25 years championing digital education and inclusion in Northern Ireland, leading award-winning initiatives and completing a doctorate on this topic. I’ve seen firsthand how digital inequality compounds disadvantage, especially within education and how current systems fail to tackle this effectively. I’m building Future Ready Lab to turn research into action—so that everyone, regardless of background, has a real chance to thrive in an increasingly digital, AI-driven world.