Pamela Wright, who has served since 2012 as the first Chief Innovation Officer of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), was honored today with American University’s Inclusive Technology Policy Changemaker Award.

A pioneer in innovation and advancing inclusivity in the technology sector, Ms. Wright’s leadership combines NARA’s core values of collaboration, innovation, and learning, with the possibilities of emerging technologies.

From Internet governance to cybersecurity, American University influences global technology policy through its academic research and actively advances inclusive leadership and a more socially equitable technology infrastructure. Established in 2021, the AU Inclusive Technology Policy Changemaker Award honors individuals who, throughout their careers, have demonstrated a commitment to advancing inclusive global technology policy.

“Pamela Wright is a model of how leaders can foster a more just, equitable, and productive society,” said AU President Sylvia M. Burwell. “Her purpose-driven work is an inspiration for AU changemakers, and she has created impactful solutions to the unique challenges of today’s rapidly changing technology landscape.”

Under Wright’s leadership, NARA launched its first social media program, its Citizen Archivist program that engages users in archival pursuits, and developed the agency’s digitization program, which has resulted in making more than 210 million records available through the organization’s online Catalog and shareable on  Wikipedia and Wikidata, Giphy, and on other platforms. In recognition of her extraordinary work as a career federal employee, Ms. Wright is receiving a 2022 Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award (PRA). She is a member of advisory boards to the Digital Public Library of America and the Library and Archives of Canada, and she chairs NARA’s Reparative Description and Digitization Working Group.

“I’m thrilled to be honored by American University with this Changemaker Award,” said Ms. Wright. “At the National Archives, we share the historical records in our care through established and emerging technologies in pursuit of creating equitable access for all. This award in recognition of what we are accomplishing is very meaningful to me because Inclusive Technology Policy’s goals are the same ones that have always guided my career: embrace inclusivity, collaborate widely, and identify and implement innovations that support the common good.”

The 2022 Outstanding Technology Policy Changemaker Award was presented during a special event on AU’s Washington, D.C. campus. Doreen Bogdan-Martin (AU/SIS’90), Secretary General Elect of the International Telecommunication Union and the 2021 inaugural recipient of the award, delivered the keynote address. Introductory remarks were given by AU President Sylvia M. Burwell and Diana Burley, AU Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. The event was sponsored by AU’s Office of Research in collaboration with the School of Public Affairs and brought together leaders in the field.

“We are excited to present this year’s Changemaker Award to Pamela Wright, a champion who has demonstrated her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices across our nation through the digitization of our shared history,” said Diana Burley, AU Vice Provost for Research and Innovation.

Among some of AU’s initiatives advancing inclusivity in technology policy are The Internet Governance Lab, The Kogod Cybersecurity Governance Center, The Tech, Law and Security Program at the Washington College of Law, Policy Studies in Cybersecurity Program at the School of Public Affairs, and the Institute on Disability and Public Policy. Supported, in part, through the AU Signature Research Initiative program, today’s event builds on American University’s leadership role in these critical areas.