Lauren Woodman

About Lauren Woodman

For twenty-five years, I’ve worked at the crossroads of technology, data, and social impact—leading organizations, building coalitions, and translating complex information into stories that shape decisions.Today, as CEO of DataKind, I guide one of the world’s leading nonprofits using AI and data science for the public good. My work brings together product, engineering, and data science teams to create tools that help communities, nonprofits, educators and governments solve pressing challenges. Previously, as CEO of NetHope, I built partnerships among the world’s largest NGOs and technology companies, launching global initiatives that scaled digital access and transformed humanitarian response. Earlier in my career at Microsoft, I led worldwide education programs reaching hundreds of millions of students and educators, while also shaping policy and storytelling platforms that elevated the voices of innovators around the world. Across these roles, a consistent thread runs through my work: turning data into trust, insight, and impact. I\'m a recognized storyteller who makes complex data and technology accessible in ways that increase understanding, empower individuals, inspire action, and drive scalable impact. Whether briefing national or corporate leaders, speaking on the world stage, or collaborating with engineers and practitioners, I focus on connecting people to the facts and ideas that matter most.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Datakind

   Sep 2021 — Present

   Lead global nonprofit at the forefront of the Data and AI for Good movement, driving strategic transformation to a product-first model.• Guided product, engineering and data science teams to design and deliver scalable AI tools for nonprofits, government agencies, and global institutions.• Championed ethical AI and data governance frameworks, positioning DataKind as a trusted voice on equity and responsible AI adoption.• Expanded reach of DataKind’s tools to improve educational attainment, housing security, humanitarian response, and public health outcomes.• Represented the organization on global stages including the World Economic Forum, UN events, and leading industry forums, translating complex data concepts into compelling narratives.• Built diverse funding streams, stewarded key donor relationships, and secured multi-year commitments from philanthropic and corporate partners.

Education

• Smith College

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science and Government

• The Johns Hopkins University

  Master of Arts (M.A.), American Foreign Policy

  1994 — 1996

• Smith College

  BA, Government/International Relations

  1987 — 1991

Skills

• Strategic Partnerships
• Leadership
• Instructional Design
• Cloud Computing
• Educational Technology
• Public Policy
• Public Speaking
• Team Management
• Large Budget Management
• Economic Development
• Community Engagement
• Marketing
• Marketing Strategy
• Program Management
• International Relations
• Product Management
• Enterprise Software
• Management
• Training
• Strategy
• Education Policy
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Start-Ups
• Business Strategy
• Partner Management
• Saas
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Security
• Telecommunications
• Business Alliances
• Solution Selling
• Product Marketing
• Government
• Business Development
• Professional Services
• Social Media Marketing
• Business Intelligence
• Mobile Devices
• IT Strategy
• Marketing Communications