Linda Raftree (@meowtree) is an independent consultant who supports various organizations with strategy, program design, research, and technology in international development initiatives. She has worked at the intersection of community development, participatory media, youth, gender, and information and communication technologies (ICT) since 1994. Linda advises various organizations on digital privacy and safeguarding, including Girl Effect and Girls Who Code. She also provides overall strategy support on digital approaches in the social sector. Linda organizes MERL Tech, a conference that explores the intersections of technology/digital data and monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL). She has advised The Rockefeller Foundation’s Evaluation Office on the use of ICTs in monitoring and evaluation and worked for many years with Plan International USA on youth engagement, innovation, transparency and overall strategy. Linda has conducted research on adolescent girls and ICTs for UNICEF, the role of ICTs in child/youth migration for the Oak Foundation, mobile technologies and youth workforce development for the mEducation Alliance, and ICT-enabled monitoring and evaluation for Rockefeller. She co-founded Regarding Humanity, which encourages debate and dialogue around the portrayal of ‘the poor’ in the media, social impact work, and non-profit marketing. She runs Technology Salons in New York City and advocates for ethical approaches to ICT design, use and data privacy in the humanitarian and development space. Linda co-created WhiteSave.me, a commentary on techno-utopianism and privilege.
Linda Raftree, LLC: I work as an independent consultant on digital development research, strategy and evaluation with an emphasis on responsible data use, inclusion, gender, and children and young people. I support organizations to develop, implement, and engage staff and partners in responsible data policy and practice. I enjoy facilitating and moderating convenings, workshops and learning-focused events.
MERL Tech: conference, blog, and discussion forum that facilitate discussion and learning about the role of digital data and new technology in monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (co-founder and lead organizer)
Technology Salon: convening and facilitating discussion on the role of ICTs in international development. (co-founder and NYC convener)
White Save Me: the app that helps white men deliver privilege with a simple tap of the finger. (co-creator)
This is a personal blog that does not represent official views of my current, past or future employers, affiliates or other organizations with whom I engage. Any opinions expressed herein are my own, and I take responsibility for them.
