TAG2025: Transforming Technology

Chief Executive Officer, Brightlines

Shauna is the CEO and founder of Brightlines, an anti-doxxing service designed to protect people running for office and serving our democracy.Security expert with 15+ years of experience protecting people who are at risk because of their work, gender, or ethnicity. Former intelligence analyst, who spent the last decade protecting democracy activists from discovery and reprisal by authoritarian regimes. Member of the Truman National Security Project, and Boren Fellow in Beijing. Technologist.

Shauna Dillavou is a highly respected member of the Truman National Security Project and has made significant contributions as a sought after Boren Fellow based in Beijing. As the CEO and founder of Brightlines, Dillavou spearheads an innovative anti-doxxing service designed to protect individuals who are running for office and to uphold the principles of democracy in society.

With over 15 years of extensive experience in the security field, Dillavou is profoundly committed to safeguarding those who face risks due to their professional endeavors, as well as their gender or ethnicity. Her background as a former intelligence analyst has provided her with the essential skills to effectively shield democracy activists from detection and potential consequences dictated by authoritarian regimes.

Dillavou’s profound expertise in security combines seamlessly with her unwavering dedication to social justice, ensuring she is a vital advocate for individuals in vulnerable situations. Her work not only protects activists but also contributes to a broader movement that seeks to maintain democratic integrity and fight against oppression. Through her leadership at Brightlines, Dillavou is making a tangible impact, championing the rights of those who strive to make their voices heard in challenging environments.

CEO of Alethea. Digital and Online Risk Detection and Remediation

Lisa Kaplan founded Alethea to combat the pervasive threat of disinformation and enhance societal resilience. By developing innovative technology for detecting and mitigating online manipulation, she leads the charge for truth in the digital age. Before Alethea, Kaplan served as the Digital Director for Angus King’s U.S. Senate campaign, where she implemented a proactive digital strategy that involved identifying and analyzing disinformation campaigns. Her hands-on experience in this critical area provides her with a unique perspective on the impact of misinformation on voters.

Kaplan has had the opportunity to brief members of Congress and advise senior U.S. government officials on the complexities of disinformation, facilitating important discussions among EU and G7 partners. Her thought leadership is evident in her writings for respected publications like Brookings and Lawfare, where she discusses strategies to counter disinformation and protect democratic institutions. Kaplan’s expertise has also attracted attention from major media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Additionally, Kaplan contributes to academia as a guest lecturer at New York University and American University, inspiring students to engage with the pressing issues surrounding disinformation and information operations.

Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings Institution

Nicol Turner Lee is a senior fellow in Governance Studies and the director of the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) at the Brookings Institution, a respected global think tank located in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she is the founder of the AI Equity Lab, which operates within CTI. Lee’s research is dedicated to fostering equitable access to technology both in the United States and globally. Her work encompasses significant efforts in research and public policy focused on identifying and mitigating biases in AI systems.

As an accomplished author, Lee has penned the insightful book, *Digitally Invisible: How the Internet is Creating the New Underclass* (Brookings Press, 2024). Lee has been widely recognized through various media appearances, congressional testimonies, and contributions to international governance discussions, as well as extensive writing on technology and telecommunications issues. In 2022, her career contributions were acknowledged by the American Sociological Association at their annual conference.

Lee earned her B.A. from Colgate University and her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. With her extensive expertise and commitment to advancing equity in technology, she plays a vital role in shaping discussions around technology and its impact on society, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are accessible to all.

Senior Director, Cybersecurity Programs, The Aspen Institute

alpeShauna is the CEO and founder of Brightlines, an anti-doxxing service designed to protect people running for office and serving our democracy.Security expert with 15+ years of experience protecting people who are at risk because of their work, gender, or ethnicity. Former intelligence analyst, who spent the last decade protecting democracy activists from discovery and reprisal by authoritarian regimes. Member of the Truman National Security Project, and Boren Fellow in Beijing. Technologist.

Sasha Cohen O’Connell serves as the Senior Director for Cybersecurity Programs at Aspen Digital, bringing over 25 years of extensive expertise in inter-agency collaboration, public policy research, and program development. O’Connell began her esteemed career at the FBI, where she held the position of Chief Policy Advisor for Science and Technology and later advanced to Section Chief in the Office of National Policy under the Deputy Director. In these capacities, O’Connell made significant contributions by liaising with the National Security Council on a diverse array of critical policy issues.

O’Connell’s leadership at the FBI expanded further when she headed the Strategy Management Office, playing a pivotal role in introducing the Balanced Scorecard initiative for the FBI Director, which enhanced strategic planning and performance management within the agency. After her notable tenure in federal service, O’Connell transitioned to the private sector as Director at Guidehouse. There, she focused on leading initiatives aimed at addressing the complex challenges faced in the homeland and national security sectors. Through her impressive career, O’Connell has established herself as a key figure in cybersecurity and national security, demonstrating a commitment to improving policy frameworks and program effectiveness.

Public Interest Cyber Security, Program Director at the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC).

 CalpeShauna is the CEO and founder of Brightlines, an anti-doxxing service designed to protect people running for office and serving our democracy.Security expert with 15+ years of experience protecting people who are at risk because of their work, gender, or ethnicity. Former intelligence analyst, who spent the last decade protecting democracy activists from discovery and reprisal by authoritarian regimes. Member of the Truman National Security Project, and Boren Fellow in Beijing. Technologist.

Sarah Powazek serves as the Program Director of Public Interest Cybersecurity at the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity (CLTC), where she spearheads vital research initiatives aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity posture of low-resource organizations. These include nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions that are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. In her capacity as a cybersecurity leader, Sarah adeptly bridges the gap between practitioners and policymakers, advocating for support for under-resourced community organizations such as utilities and hospitals.

Additionally, Sarah holds the position of Senior Advisor to the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, promoting the global expansion of clinical cyber education to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Sarah also hosts the Cyber Civil Defense Summit, an annual event that unites cyber defenders in collaborative efforts to protect the nation’s most vulnerable public infrastructure from cyberattacks.

Her extensive background includes prior roles at CrowdStrike Strategic Advisory Services and as the Program Manager for the Ransomware Task Force, where she addressed critical issues affecting cybersecurity. Furthermore, she is an active contributor to the hacker community, playing a key role in organizing the DistrictCon hacking conference in Washington, D.C., fostering innovation and collaboration in the field.

Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at Columbia University, and Chief Data Scientist at The New York Times.

Chris Wiggins is a distinguished Associate Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University and plays an integral role within the Data Science Institute. His research is at the intersection of computational biology, machine learning, and data science, focusing on the application of computational techniques to address significant challenges in genomics, network theory, and social systems. Wiggins has made noteworthy contributions to the understanding of gene regulatory networks and protein interaction models, and he has developed advanced machine learning algorithms to enhance the exploration of biological systems.

As an influential figure in data science education, Wiggins has taken an active role in shaping Columbia’s curriculum, offering courses that seamlessly blend computer science, biology, and social networks. Additionally, he is a founding member of Columbia’s Data Science Institute and co-founder of HackNY, a nonprofit initiative that fosters connections between students and New York startups.

Wiggins is a strong proponent of open science and the principles of research reproducibility. He also champions diversity and inclusivity within the fields of technology and data science. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has been honored with Columbia’s Avanessians Diversity Award. Furthermore, his book, “How Data Happened,” provides valuable insights into the responsibilities and opportunities that arise in data-driven environments, affirming his esteemed position in both academic and industrial spheres.

Higher Education, Technology, and Public Interest Technology Leader

Fallon S. Wilson is a distinguished Public Interest Technologist and higher education leader, dedicated to integrating technology with race, faith, and justice. With over 15 years of experience, she emphasizes the importance of involving Black communities in the development and governance of emerging technologies. As the Co-Founder and Lead Principal Investigator of the #BlackTechFutures Research Institute, Wilson created the Black Tech Ecosystem Index, a data-driven tool that assesses local ecosystems’ support for Black technologists and institutions like HBCUs and Black churches. This Index underpins city-level research reports that guide policymakers and community leaders.

In pursuit of racial tech justice, she also designed a curriculum for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) focusing on Public Interest Technology, promoting equity and ethics in tech education. In 2025, Wilson organized the Black Joy AI Summit at Union Temple Baptist Church, celebrating the contributions of HBCU faculty and Black leaders in technology.

As Vice President of Policy at the Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council (MMTC), Wilson leads initiatives such as Black Churches 4 Digital Equity, advocating for digital civil rights. Her efforts have garnered multiple awards, including an $11.9 million grant for AI training in Black communities.