Jessica Rosenworcel

Jessica Rosenworcel is the incoming Executive Director of the MIT Media Lab. She previously served as the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. During her tenure, she established the largest broadband affordability effort in our nation’s history, set up the first-ever Space Bureau, and built the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a novel consumer labeling program for connected devices. She also led the launch of 988, the national mental health hotline, ensured emergency alerts are now available in multiple languages, and established programs to support safe connections for survivors of domestic violence. In addition, she was the first leader of the agency to address Artificial Intelligence, guiding efforts to prevent voice cloning fraud and exploring how machine learning can improve dynamic spectrum allocation and network efficiency. She also led major national security initiatives, updating data breach policies and creating new programs to remove insecure equipment from communications networks nationwide. Throughout her time at the agency, she was a tireless champion of making sure everyone, everywhere in this country has the modern communications they require for a fair shot at 21st century success. She did this with a special focus on schools and libraries, leading the way with updates to the E-Rate program and calling attention to the need for all students to have broadband access at home by coining the term the “Homework Gap.” Her work on this was especially vital during the pandemic, leading to legislation that provided billions in support for connections and devices for learning that helped connect millions of students nationwide.