TheBridge profile: Ya'ara Barnoon
Name: Ya'ara Barnoon
Current city: Washington DC
Current job: Associate Program Director & Adjunct Professor, Tech, Law & Security AUWCL
Past job: National Security & Anti-Corruption Attorney at an international law firm; Human Rights & National Security researcher at Harvard Kennedy School; State Voter Protection Director & national security policy advisor for two presidential campaigns.
Q. How are you bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? We built the Tech, Law & Security (TLS) program to produce and amplify inclusive and deeply-considered research and train the next generation of diverse national security leaders. Innovation and regulation should not be seen as inherently in conflict. Rather, regulation (or a lack thereof) guides innovation and U.S. national security will depend on how we manage this dynamic. We need to encourage responsible innovation, while harmonizing technical and other standards within and across our borders. The TLS program brings together policymakers, researchers, students, and private sector representatives to engage on these core questions, identify areas of consensus, and propose paths forward.
Q. Job advice in three words? Curiosity, initiative, empathy.
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Inclusive and thoughtful processes can help you see around corners and achieve better, more sustainable outcomes.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? Real progress often requires risk! Incentivizing "good" risk taking can allow creative solutions to blossom and improve morale. My former colleague Corin Stone has done wonderful work on this topic, specifically on promoting innovation in the Intelligence Community.
Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable? A willingness to take responsibility for projects and processes and a commitment to supporting and amplifying others' work. Early in my career I also noticed that by fully owning my mistakes, I could help build trust on my teams and improve outcomes. I believe this is a critical skill for any employee, but particularly those in leadership roles.
Q. What is the best job interview question you have ever been asked? It's not a question I've been asked, but it is the best question I've heard asked in any job interview (and I've done hundreds!) The question comes from TLS Senior Project lead Alex Joel: "What do you think is the biggest misconception your professional colleagues had or have about you?"
Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? In DC, La Colombe, Tatte, or Sidamo, depending on the neighborhood.
Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? I've been enjoying the TLS podcast No Network is Neutral, featuring our wonderful senior researcher Jenna Ruddock & research fellow Justin Sherman.
Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Or, why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals? TheBridge community helps build critical relationships and paths for communication across disciplines and perspectives. Grounding tech innovation and policy in our shared values will help us meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Q. Everyday is probably different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job? Creative problem solving, attention to detail, and active listening are always useful skills.
Q. Favorite app? Hands down the NYTimes Cooking app. The miso peanut butter cookies and crispy gnocchi are favorites right now.
Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? It's a tie between Paris and Boston. I spent years in Paris, and I miss it daily (and not just the baked goods!) I also grew up in Massachusetts and have family near Boston. I would love to be able to see them more frequently.
Q. Which Member of Congress/local lawmaker is most tech savvy? Congress will be losing a member with rich and deep expertise when Representative Jim Langevin retires. Senator Angus King and Representative Mike Gallagher also did a wonderful job co-chairing the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
Q. How often do you work from home? We have recently moved back to a hybrid work model at the law school. I am in the office three days a week and it is so rewarding to be able to interact in person with my students and team.
We include leaders spotlights in out bi-weekly updates sent to the community. Sign up to stay up to date with events, people, jobs, info in tech, policy and politics: