Linda Raftree

Linda Raftree Email and Phone Number

MERL Tech Initiative Founder, NYC Tech Salon Convener, Certified Privacy Professional, Trust and Safety Advisor @ The MERL Tech Initiative
Linda Raftree's Location
New York City Metropolitan Area, United States, United States
Linda Raftree's Contact Details

Linda Raftree personal email

About Linda Raftree

I’ve been exploring responsible digital approaches and use of digital data for the past decade via the MERL Tech Initiative, Technology Salon NYC, and as an independent consultant. The MERL Tech Initiative brings together critical thinkers from the monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL), data science, and digital technology sectors to collaborate, develop capacities and strengthen good practice. In 2024, the MERL Tech Initiative expanded to include a core group of consultants with a range of deep, related expertise (see merltech.org). Technology Salon brings together technologists and social sector practitioners for intimate, in-person, off-the-record conversations on emerging opportunities and challenges (see technologysalon.org)As an independent consultant (via Linda Raftree, LLC), I’ve advised foundations, bilateral agencies, and non-governmental organizations on responsible data policy and practice, applied research, digital safeguarding, child online safety, inclusive digital approaches, trust and safety, and safe digital programming. I'm a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP and (CIPM) (see lindaraftree.com)Current projects include:-supporting The Asia Foundation to develop and implement responsible data policy and practices-advising on digital social and behavior change communications and M&E for iMedia/Gates Fdn-convening MERL Tech's Natural Language Processing Community of Practice (NLP-CoP)-researching federated data governance for Fondation Botnar-developing data sharing templates and guidance for Mercy Corps-exploring alternatives to biometrics for deduplication of cash transfers for Catholic Relief Services-conducting a risk assessment on digitalization of sponsorship operations for World Vision Intl-developing guidance on Generative AI and MERL for Luminate -creating guidance on safe design of GenAI powered chatbots for Girl Effect-developing digital impact and safeguarding strategies for YLabs-convening Technology Salon in New York City

Linda Raftree's Current Company Details
The MERL Tech Initiative

The Merl Tech Initiative

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MERL Tech Initiative Founder, NYC Tech Salon Convener, Certified Privacy Professional, Trust and Safety Advisor
Linda Raftree Work Experience Details
  • The Merl Tech Initiative
    Founder
    The Merl Tech Initiative Mar 2014 - Present
    The MERL Tech Initiative sits at the intersection of digital technology and the social sector. We support thoughtful tech-enabled program design, implementation, and monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL). We convene communities to share good practice and improve humanitarian, development, human rights and peace building outcomes. We advocate for responsible, ethical, realistic approaches that center people, communities and societies. We work as a collaborative group of consultants with deep experience in holistic MERL and digital programming. Our expertise includes digital strategy, digital transformation, data governance, data privacy policy and practice, design research, trust and safety, safeguarding, digital risk assessment, gender, youth, digital inclusion, and social and behavior change (SBC).We lead the MERL Tech Generative AI / Natural Language Processing Community of Practice (NLP-CoP), which explores opportunities and challenges with emerging AI applications for MERL. We convene the New York City Technology Salon, which brings together technologists and social sector practitioners for intimate, in-person, off-the-record conversations on emerging opportunities and challenges. We collaborate with other communities of practice, networks, and professional associations to organize events, develop content, and create space for learning, professional development, and influence.
  • Linda Raftree Llc
    Founder
    Linda Raftree Llc Jan 2013 - Present
    As an independent consultant, I support the development, humanitarian, human rights and social sectors with digital approaches, including programming research, design, and strategy; trust and safety; child safeguarding; data privacy policy; and related areas. (In 2024 I will be moving my independent consulting to The MERL Tech Initiative).Clients have included:-The Mastercard Foundation (investment strategies for tech-enabled approaches for MERL)-Funder Safeguarding Collaborative (training on digital safeguarding / online safety for regional consultants) -Save the Children (moderation guidelines, policy review, safe programming for migrating and displaced children)-UNHCR (research on safe digital mental health/psycho-social support for adolescents)-Amnesty (children/youth digital rights research and strategy)-CLEAR Anglophone Africa (responsible data management in M&E)-UNICEF (manifesto on data governance for children, policy paper, data governance)-Child Wise (child safeguarding advisory for a large social media platform)-ALNAP and IDLO (background papers and workshop on remote M&E)-CaLP (responsible data toolkit, COVID/remote targeting case studies)-CARE (responsible data policy, practice, implementation)-WHO (chatbot assessment, data sharing in non-emergency contexts)-Humanity United (responsible data policy and practice)-Civic Hall (responsible data assessment and training)-Girl Effect (digital/emerging AI guide, data privacy, safeguarding, research, strategy, implementation)-The Rockefeller Foundation (MERL Tech conference & related efforts)-Swedish International Development Cooperation (MERL Tech workshop)-Girls Who Code (child safeguarding & digital privacy)-mSTAR/Sonjara (Responsible Data Guidelines for USAID)-Catholic Relief Services (Responsible Data Policy)-American Red Cross (consultations on innovation & community-based disaster response)-Oxfam (ICT4D strategy, evaluation of Technology Innovation Fund)
  • Technology Salon
    Co-Founder And Nyc Convener
    Technology Salon Oct 2011 - Present
    The Technology Salon is an intimate, informal, and in person, discussion among information and communication technology experts and international development professionals. Technology Salons happen in various cities around the world. I convene in NYC and support Brooklyn and other new cities. I also sit on the Board of Technology Salon where we focus on strategy, quality and direction. Technology Salon is the 501c3 (non-profit) partner for The MERL Tech Initiative, allowing us to receive and implement grant funding,
  • Regarding Humanity
    Co-Founder
    Regarding Humanity Dec 2010 - Nov 2019
    Regarding Humanity (Re:Hum) fostered comment and debate on image, film, narrative and program design in social impact. Re:Hum offered a space for social impact professionals, designers, filmmakers, journalists, and students to explore respectful, relevant and resonant storytelling that did not remove agency from those they portrayed. We also provided guidance and support for organizations, individuals and filmmakers who aimed to ethically represent those with whom and about whom they were creating media and narrative.
  • Girl Effect
    Advisor On Girls'​ Digital Privacy, Safety & Security And Digital Good Practice
    Girl Effect Jan 2014 - Jun 2019
    London, England, Gb
    Developing and supporting implementation of the girls' digital/mobile safeguarding, privacy and security policy and guidelines for Girl Effect's various digital products and efforts. Supporting the organization to prepare for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Providing strategy and guidance on girls and mobile/tech based on good practice in the areas of gender, youth development and technology. Supporting co-design, research and consultation with vulnerable urban girls and partner organizations in 6 countries. Helping to document and apply learning across projects/programs. Serving as a point person on technology and development ethics.
  • The Rockefeller Foundation
    Special Advisor, New Technology For Monitoring & Evaluation
    The Rockefeller Foundation Oct 2012 - Mar 2018
    New York, Ny, Us
    Assisting the Foundation to identify and apply good practice in the use of ICTs in M&E work. Co-authored "Emerging Opportunities: Monitoring and Evaluation in a Tech-Enabled World," a discussion paper for the Foundation. Supporting dissemination and further discussion in the area of technology and how it's supporting and changing the field of M&E. Organizing and running events to launch/highlight the paper and explore ways strengthen knowledge and good practice in the field of ICTs for M&E.
  • International Center For Advocates Against Discrimination (Icaad)
    Board Member
    International Center For Advocates Against Discrimination (Icaad) Jun 2013 - May 2016
    New York, Ny, Us
    The International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD) is a nonprofit organization founded for the charitable purpose of eradicating structural discrimination globally, and to promote human rights norms consistent with public international law. Using high impact strategic litigation, coalition building, leveraged partnerships, and international law, ICAAD strives to combat both structural discrimination and the State’s failure to protect vulnerable communities. ICAAD's project-based approach utilizes small teams of experts to identify specific structural discrimination policies, marshal resources and key partnerships, and provide strategic support with the aim of systematically tearing down these policies globally.
  • Social Impact Lab (Simlab) Foundation
    Board Member
    Social Impact Lab (Simlab) Foundation Apr 2012 - Mar 2015
    The Social Impact Lab (SIMLab) Foundation houses developers and free support for FrontlineSMS, an open-source SMS-messaging software that enables users to send, receive and manage SMS over a mobile network. The SIMLab Foundation works closely with the SIMLab Community Interest Company (CIC), which meets the needs of clients who need additional support through a commercial consulting model. In my 3 years on the Board, we supported and guided the organization through fundamental structural and strategic changes.
  • Plan Usa
    Senior Advisor, Innovation, Transparency And Strategic Change
    Plan Usa Dec 2012 - Apr 2014
    Washington, District Of Columbia, Us
    Serving as a thought leader and providing strategic input to Plan USA’s CEO on trends in development and ways the external context and industry are changing. Leading Plan USA’s International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) commitment and publication process. Leading and/or supporting research, strategy, program design and implementation in areas related to ICTs and child migration, youth participation, youth employment, gender, transparency, accountability, and open/participatory governance.
  • Plan Usa
    Senior Advisor, Ict4D
    Plan Usa Jul 2011 - Nov 2012
    Washington, District Of Columbia, Us
    Served as a thought leader in the area of new ICTs and development. Provided support for programs using ICTs to improve child protection, youth participation and employment, education, openness, transparency, accountability and governance. Created space for debate and learning around global development and ICTs via social media, workshops, events, networking, technology salons, and online courses.
  • Jbs International, Inc.
    Consultant, Mobile Technologies For Youth Workforce Development
    Jbs International, Inc. Jul 2012 - Jun 2013
    North Bethesda, Md, Us
    Wrote a landscape review for the mEducation Alliance on mobile technology and youth workforce development (mYWD); supported 4 learning events on the topic; kick-started the mYWD working group. Presented results at various events.
  • Unicef
    Consultant, Communication For Development
    Unicef Aug 2011 - May 2012
    New York, New York, Us
    Co-wrote paper for XII UN Round Table on Communication for Development (C4D) outlining developments, trends, challenges and recommendations for integrating new technologies into C4D work for and with marginalized adolescent girls; presented at 56th Commission on the Status of Women.
  • Plan International
    Regional Advisor, Social Media And New Tech, Plan West Africa
    Plan International Jun 2008 - Aug 2011
    Woking, Surrey, Gb
    Developed and coordinated successful programs combining traditional communication forms and new ICTs for youth-led advocacy and violence prevention, 2 of which won internal awards for innovation in technology application to development goals. Supported research and development of Plan's work around girls and technology, including 2011 Because I am a Girl Report: Urban and Digital Frontiers. Spoke on ICTs and development at UN Digital Week, Technology Salons, World Summit on Media for Children, 55th Commission on the Status of Women, Africa Gathering.
  • Plan Usa
    Director, Youth Engagement And Action
    Plan Usa Mar 2004 - Dec 2008
    Washington, District Of Columbia, Us
    Initiated and developed global youth engagement strategy at Plan; now a global priority. Initiated and developed Plan USA’s Youth Engagement program, involving US youth in global issues and decision making; led to Plan USA establishing youth advisory board. Developed program that uses arts and media to better engage marginalized youth in community development processes and youth-led advocacy; scaled to several countries. Broke ground around the use of new media and technology in Plan's work. Contributed to global child-centered disaster response guidelines following 2004 Tsunami.
  • Plan Usa
    Director, Individual Donor Market Development
    Plan Usa Jul 2001 - Mar 2004
    Washington, District Of Columbia, Us
    Raised over $8 million in planned gifts, major gifts and deferred gifts.Created marketing strategies to identify and develop prospective donors.Developed systems and procedures for managing donor relations.Brought stronger rights-based focus to Plan USA’s marketing and communications. Piloted youth engagement programs using arts- and culture-based learning.
  • Plan International
    Sponsorship And Grants Support Manager
    Plan International Jul 1998 - Jul 2001
    Woking, Surrey, Gb
    Led Plan El Salvador’s move towards a child rights-based approach. Developed and managed Plan El Salvador’s first child rights, child participation, youth media, and non-violence programs; these became signature programs for Plan globally. Wrote strategic plan and all related budgets based on consultations in 400 communities and input from 4 district offices.Led emergency response, relief, recovery and reconstruction after 2 major earthquakes and Hurricane Mitch, secured $6m in grants for reconstruction.Managed sponsorship, grants, public relations, delegations, journalists and VIPs visits.
  • Oxfam Great Britain
    Program Consultant, El Salvador
    Oxfam Great Britain Mar 1998 - Oct 1998
    Oxford, Oxfordshire, Gb
    Managed relationships with national NGOs for 7 projects that Oxfam was transitioning out: rural production systems; health; investigation and advocacy on national issues; municipal strengthening; agriculture; immigration. Monitored the projects, reviewed narrative and financial reports, and conducted internal audits.
  • The Lutheran World Federation
    Program, Grants And Communications Assistant (El Salvador)
    The Lutheran World Federation Oct 1993 - Jul 1998
    Geneva, Ch
    Wrote strategic plan for El Salvador and Guatemala Programs. Liaised with national NGOs, international cooperation agencies and UN organizations. Managed portfolio of grants to local NGOs on gender, environment, reinsertion of ex-combatants, psychosocial health, advocacy, civil society strengthening, integrated rural development, human rights. Organized and coordinated an electoral observation mission for country’s first democratic elections in 1994; participated as an observer. Organized delegation visits with government and local non-profit organizations and provided translation.

Linda Raftree Skills

International Development Ngos Community Development Human Rights Capacity Building Nonprofits Program Management Grants Program Evaluation Policy Analysis Non Profits Ict4d Africa International Relations Children's Rights Social Media Fundraising Researching New Technologies Global Health Proposal Writing Research Program Development Policy Data Mining Rights Blogging Intercultural Communication Leadership Public Health

Linda Raftree Education Details

  • University Of Southern California
    University Of Southern California
    Anthropology

Frequently Asked Questions about Linda Raftree

What company does Linda Raftree work for?

Linda Raftree works for The Merl Tech Initiative

What is Linda Raftree's role at the current company?

Linda Raftree's current role is MERL Tech Initiative Founder, NYC Tech Salon Convener, Certified Privacy Professional, Trust and Safety Advisor.

What is Linda Raftree's email address?

Linda Raftree's email address is li****@****usa.org

What schools did Linda Raftree attend?

Linda Raftree attended University Of Southern California.

What are some of Linda Raftree's interests?

Linda Raftree has interest in Capoeira, Music, Running, Brooklyn Life, Travel, Good Food.

What skills is Linda Raftree known for?

Linda Raftree has skills like International Development, Ngos, Community Development, Human Rights, Capacity Building, Nonprofits, Program Management, Grants, Program Evaluation, Policy Analysis, Non Profits, Ict4d.

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