Policy Leadership Initiative: Testimonials

Scroll to check out what folks have said about their experience working with our Policy Leadership Initiative.

Have ideas, comments, feedback? We’d love to hear from you, get in touch at policyleadership@aspirationtech.org.

From our Cohorts

I was looking for opportunities for professional development and networking in the field of digital rights and tech policy and this cohort was perfect for that. I feel more motivated and optimistic about my future as a policy leader and have a better idea about the things I want to fight for and how.

Testing Benjamin Ignac, Roma rights activist

[The Policy Leadership Cohort] was exactly what I needed at this point in my career. It made me think and realise about the work I do in relation to the policy field. It helped me crystallise where I can contribute better to the digital policy field and how I could position our organisation.

Testing Veszna Wessenauer, Superbloom Design

In the end, the cohort exceeded my expectations. I think this is due to several reasons, but namely: the breadth of topics and foci, from the more thought-provoking and analytical to the extremely practical and nifty; the coherence and cohesion between the sessions and how they fed into each other; and of course, the tone and atmosphere, which was easy-going, fun, thoughtful, never lacking a critical lens, and maybe most importantly, safe and open, especially in the sense that I felt both welcome and comfortable to come as I am and to bring my whole self into the discussions.

Testing César Manso-Sayao, Digital Freedom Fund

I really, really enjoyed the Policy Leadership Cohort, wow! The six sessions were great, and I could apply a lot of thoughts and ideas I had in a safe space with really great people.

Testing Katrin Fritsch, Green Web Foundation

The program is a wonderful hands-on and responsive to your learning needs space that guides you on how to navigate the policy landscape with clarity and purpose. The depth of learning about communication, especially regarding the power dynamics and interpersonal connections within policy work, was a highlight. I hadn't anticipated gaining such knowledge in these areas, and I greatly value all the insights [Raegan] shared from [her] experience. I think they are unique as they are not easily accessible through conventional educational formats.

Testing Hanna Pishchyk, Soko Foundation

Being part of the Cohort has left me with plenty of aha moments and really helped to unravel the mystical policy bubble of Brussels.

Testing Leoni Papritz,

Participating in the Policy Leadership Cohort empowered me with knowledge and tactical tools to make an impact through my current role. I found the weekly sessions particularly effective in shifting my mindset towards more ownership and control over my policy leadership journey. I also appreciated Raegan’s coaching and her ability to provide clarity and structure when navigating challenging situations.

Testing Valery Otieno, Ofcom

My overall experience with the Policy Leadership Cohort was excellent; it actually exceeded my expectations. I found that the sessions focused on the sort of implicit, practical knowledge one usually accumulates from experience (but is never taught in formal education settings). Ultimately, I feel that I’ve gained a lot in terms of the confidence, assertiveness and practical guidance I needed to transition into policy. I also feel that I now have a high-quality/value network or community (i.e., the other cohort participants) from which I could start on my policy journey.

Testing Anastasia Siapka, KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law

The Policy Leadership Cohort provided valuable insights and tools that have enriched my approach to policy advocacy. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn and collaborate with such a diverse group of peers.

Testing Mireia Orra, Eticas

I thoroughly enjoyed all six sessions and found myself enriched and joyful at the end of each Zoom call.

Testing Saurav Roy, Cambridge University

The Policy Leadership Cohort has been a great way to bridge the finish of my master's studies and the hopeful beginnings of my European career. I had a chance to learn from digital policy pros and exchange experience with my peers, and to reframe my more academic and birds-eye understanding of policy in more practical, hands-on terms. It was also a pleasure to get to know genuinely great people in the program and behind it!

Testing Kateryna Chystoforova, European University Institute, School of Transnational Governance

The Policy Leadership Cohort led me to rethink my digital policy journey. The insights and knowledge shared by the organisers and my peers, helped me to reinvent myself and will constitute the building blocks for achieving more impactful results with Homo Digitalis in the future.

Testing Eleftherios Chelioudakis, Homo Digitalis

I highly recommend the Policy Leadership Cohort to every policy enthusiast, it is a very carefully woven six sessions of policy insights. A perfect mix of practical and technical knowledge of navigating the policy ecosystem. Even though it primarily focuses on EU, I believe a lot of it can be universally applicable. Most importantly, you get the best mentorship one can imagine!

Testing Aditi Tiwari, Birkbeck University

The Policy Leadership Cohort provided me with invaluable insights into digital rights policy. The structured sessions, the diverse background of the participants and shared resources significantly enhanced my understanding on policy. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and impact in the policy arena.

Testing Aldessa Georgiana Lincan, Romnja Feminist Library

From our Convenings

[The Summit provided] a rare space where everyone can share their experiences and contribute to the development of digital policies that promote social, racial and climate justice, all in good humour!

Testing Laurine Chabal, #jesuislà

“What a fabulous couple days – I came away feeling enriched and connected! “Co-creation” is a term that is often bandied about but rarely embodied – here, the event was genuinely created in partnership with participants, all of whom brought their own forms of expertise, experience, kindness and humour.

Testing Anna Shea, Sigrid Rausing Trust

[The Summit] gave me new perspectives on digital policy, allowed me to form inspiring relationships with others — and made me excited about the work in the field. I would definitely come again!

Testing Katrin Fritsch, Green Web Foundation

If I could sum up the event in one quote, it would be: "Beyond expectations."

Testing Onur Cevik, Kif Kif

[The Summit] was a truly fantastic event, I enjoyed the rich discussions. I was amazed by all the energy, skills and openness from everyone present. It was a very empowering experience for me, I felt safe sharing my thoughts.

Testing Helene Hahn, Reporters Without Borders

The most valuable thing for me [at the Summit] were the people - the participants and the organisers, and the trust, openness and lightness they filled the room with. That is why I was able to learn about addictive design and epistemic welfare, as well as Python, pandas and sensitive data honey pots all under one roof :-)

Testing Jelena Berković, Faktograf

The Digital Policy Leadership Summit was full of warm encounters and nourishing ideas. A gift!

Testing Claire Pershan, Mozilla foundation

The overall experience was enriching and insightful. I was quite thankful for the connections and possibilities created by attending the Summit.

Testing Susan Otieno, Responsible Innovators

I never had the chance before to be in a room with such a wide group of people from different backgrounds, who nevertheless manage to engage and critically think together on specific complex topics.

Testing Eleftherios Chelioudakis, Homo Digitalis

The Digital Policy Leadership Summit was so lovely! It was an open and wholesome gathering of intelligent people and I am grateful that the participants came from places outside Europe, as well as working on issues that are not 'traditionally' digital rights. The intersectional lens was refreshing and highlighted the importance of bringing together people from broader movements and human rights groups into this digital policy framing.

Testing Paige Collings, EFF

My experience with the Policy Leadership Cohort exceeded my expectations. Having been part of several mentor programs in the past, I've never encountered one as tailored and personalised as this. The focus on real-life examples and the emphasis on peer exchange and co-design were incredibly informative and made the content much easier to apply in practice. What truly set this program apart was Raegan's ability to meet us where we were in our individual journeys.

Testing Corinna Vetter, Superrr Lab

Ways to Get Started

Interested in joining a Policy Leadership Cohort? Fill out this survey to let us know more about you and your policy-related goals, and we’ll respond as soon as we can.
Sign up to stay informed on program updates and offerings by emailing policyleadership-updates@aspirationtech.org.
Have ideas, comments, feedback? We’d love to hear from you, get in touch at policyleadership@aspirationtech.org