Genevieve Smith

Degree(s): International Affairs

Professional background, interests and expertise: 

At the Center for Equity, Gender and Leadership (Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley) I serve on the leadership team, and direct and execute on strategy to advance equity and inclusion in business. Within this, I am currently focused on mitigating bias in artificial intelligence (AI) and advancing inclusive AI. I also develop strategies and provide support to advance equity fluency among future generations of business leaders at Haas. Two projects I am excited about currently - addressing anti-Black racism in language and AI (project with Google) and tackling exacerbating economic gender gaps from COVID-19.

For over a decade I have worked to advance gender equity and inclusion in the workplace, inclusive technology, women's entrepreneurship, and women's economic empowerment more broadly. I have served as a trusted advisor for Fortune 500 companies, foundations, government agencies, and multilateral organizations on topics of gender equity globally. I previously worked with the UN High Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment (UN Women) and conducted research with the International Center for Research on Women.

I am fluent in Spanish, stemming from my long-term engagement with communities in Peru. I co-founded and currently serve as President of the board of Visionaria Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to learning and leadership solutions that enable indigenous youth to be social innovators in their own lives and communities.

Hours available for mentoring per month: 2

Best professional advice: The world is in need of leaders dedicated to advancing positive change in our communities and world. For those interested in gender equity and racial justice (or for other marginalized identities; both in international affairs or nationally) - there are more work opportunities than ever before. Whether working with businesses, foundations or NGOs, there are different ways to tackle the systemic issues in our society. Don't assume a career in social impact means a career without achieving your financial goals