As a committed advocate for advancing technology and public policy, I had the privilege of participating in IEEE-USA’s Congressional Visits Day (CVD), held in Washington, DC, on 8-9 April 2025. This annual event brings together engineers, scientists, and educators from across the United States to engage directly with Senators, Members of Congress, and their staff on issues critical to the future of engineering and innovation.
CVD is more than a policy event — it’s a platform for visibility, voice, and influence. As an IEEE Senior Member and Global Leader Award recipient, I saw the event as an opportunity to bridge cutting-edge industry innovation with broader societal impact.
With a background in AI-driven financial systems, I’ve led the development of intelligent trading strategies, real-time analytics platforms, and enterprise-scale FX infrastructure. These technologies intersect directly with regulatory frameworks, data privacy standards, and national economic resilience — making public policy a key enabler or barrier to innovation. Advocating for responsible AI governance and continued investment in STEM is critical to ensuring that such technologies serve all communities equitably.
My day on Capitol Hill began with an early morning policy briefing at the Russell Senate Office Building. I met with the offices of Senator John Fetterman, Representative Chrissy Houlahan, and Senator Dave McCormick to advocate for sustained investments in STEM education, CHIPS and Science Act programs, and responsible AI innovation. As a woman in tech driving transformation in AI-powered financial systems, it was meaningful to contribute a voice grounded in both technical leadership and inclusive values.
CVD reinforced for me that policy advocacy is not separate from innovation — it is part of it. When engineers step into conversations with lawmakers, we help shape the infrastructure that supports our profession and society. Through these engagements, we ensure that the needs of research, ethics, emerging technologies, and workforce development are considered in legislation that impacts not only our industries, but also the communities we serve.
I encourage fellow professionals — especially those at the intersection of tech and policy — to engage locally or nationally. Whether you’re building AI systems, scaling fintech platforms, or designing energy solutions, your voice matters in shaping the future.
Participating in CVD 2025 was both an honor and a powerful reminder that innovation is not just about the systems we build — it’s about how we use our voice to build a better future.
