Ava Smithing

Director of Advocacy, Young People's Alliance

Ava Smithing focuses on shaping policy and creating solutions for more human centered technology design, data privacy and youth online safety. Since graduating from Stevens Institute of Technology in May 2023, she has worked as the first full-time employee at the Young People's Alliance, where she serves as the Advocacy Director. Ava testified before the IDC Congressional subcommittee on the American Privacy Rights Act and the Kids Online Safety Act. She will be the host of an upcoming podcast with Paradigms Tech and the Toronto Star, ”Left to Their Own Devices” and is a fellow at McGill University's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy. Ava is also a member of the inaugural All Tech is Human Affiliate cohort.