Anna Makanju (born 1975 or 1976) is a global policy leader and advocate for AI regulation. She's worked in policy affairs for over a decade and has held several important government positions at the White House, Department of State, and the Pentagon.
Early life and education
Anna Makanju was born in Russia to a Ukrainian mother and a Nigerian father, she spent a considerable part of her childhood in St. Petersburg. Her father received a Soviet scholarship to study medicine in the former U.S.S.R. While in Russia, Makanju's father met her mother, who was an engineer. Makanju’s family later moved between several other countries, including Lagos, Nigeria; Germany; Arizona; and Kuwait, finally settling in Texas where Makanju completed her high school education.
Makanju attended Western Washington University, where she majored in linguistics and French. After completing her undergraduate degree, Makanju gained experience in the legal field, working with international criminal tribunals in The Hague, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the international arbitration group at Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP. She then pursued a law degree from Stanford University.
Career
Makanju has a diverse background in government and technology. Her career began in public service focusing on national security and foreign policy within the Obama Administration. She served a key role during this period as National Security Council Director for Russia. She further contributed to foreign policy serving as a special advisor to then Vice President Joe Biden, specializing in European and Eurasian affairs. Transitioning from government to the private sector, Makanju joined Facebook where she worked on global elections and policy. Her growing interest in the societal impact of artificial intelligence led her to OpenAI. Initially serving as Vice President of Global Affairs, Makanju is shaping the organization's engagement with international bodies. As of September 2024, she holds the position of Vice President of Global Impact, leading efforts to ensure the responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI.
Makanju is an advocate and lobbyist for AI legislation, actively working to address the ethical implications of emerging technologies. She strives to ensure AI benefits humanity broadly and equitably, mitigating potential risks and maximizing positive societal impact. Her expertise and leadership in the tech field have earned her international recognition, including being named to the Inaugural Time100 AI list, which highlights influential women shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
References
- Chow, Andrew R. (2023-09-07). "Time100 AI: Anna Makanju". Time. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ Omotayo, Boluwatife (2024-01-16). "Meet Nigerian woman leading OpenAI's foreign policy strategy". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
- ^ Lapowsky, Issie (2023-09-11). "How Anna Makanju orchestrated OpenAI's political charm offensive". Fast Company. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ Zakrzewski, Cat. "Meet the woman who transformed Sam Altman into the avatar of AI". Washington Post. 2024-01-09. Retrieved 2024-10-18.
- Murgia, Madhumita; Criddle, Cristina (2024-09-28). "Who's left at OpenAI? Sam Altman consolidates power after failed coup". Financial Times. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- Espinoza, Javier; Criddle, Cristina (2024-06-13). "OpenAI expands lobbying team to influence regulation". Financial Times. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- Henshall, Will (2023-10-13). "The Biggest Moments of TIME's Women Shaping AI Impact Dinner". TIME. Retrieved 2024-10-29.