A Journey Shaped by Human Connection
Eugenia's path began early, working in the service industry at age 14, starting in restaurants and successively employed by all sorts of companies; selling everything from chocolate to cars, croissants and air tickets. “I was surrounded by people who had built their lives from the ground up, juggling day and night jobs, and tackling stressful shifts with fluctuating energy and grace.” While studying international law at university, she began collaborating with migrant communities and advocacy organizations, fueling her passion for human rights.
Seven years ago, Eugenia joined UNICEF as a United Nations Volunteer in Tajikistan, where she worked on equipping young people with employment and entrepreneurship skills. It was here that she witnessed firsthand the incredible creativity of youth in solving community challenges with minimal resources. She recalls a particularly inspiring initiative where two young girls developed "pocket soap" – recycling soap from luxury hotels to provide better hygiene access for children in schools lacking basic facilities. It was a simple yet transformative idea born from necessity and thoughtfulness. “Witnessing these initiatives made me realize the vast, untapped potential of young people whose voices were just waiting to be heard. I also felt fortunate to be a part of their journey, understanding that true leadership knows no age.”
From Youth Engagement to Humanitarian Response
Her journey led her to East Africa, where she worked as a Junior Professional Officer in refugee camps. These experiences in youth engagement and humanitarian response would later shape her approach to data governance at UNICEF's Chief Data Office, where she led the Data Governance Fit for Children program and co-led the Responsible Data for Children initiative with the GovLab at New York University.
Revolutionizing Data Governance for Children
The Data Governance Fit for Children program represents a paradigm shift in how organizations approach data about and for children. "It challenges the traditional top-down approach to data governance," Eugenia explains, "advocating instead for a model where children and young people are not just passive subjects of data systems, but active participants in shaping them."
The program balances two crucial pillars: protecting children's data while promoting its responsible use to advance children's rights. This includes safeguarding against privacy violations and algorithmic biases while ensuring that data technologies become enablers of children's voices and rights. Eugenia emphasizes the importance of centering local expertise and ensuring that communities impacted by data and technologies take the lead in decision-making processes.
The Power of Human Connection
Throughout her career, Eugenia has been guided by a deep appreciation for human connection. "I'm a people person," she shares. "I get energized when I have people I look up to around me." This philosophy has influenced not only her personal approach but also her professional work in ensuring that data governance systems are built in partnership with the communities they serve.
This podcast offers valuable insights for anyone interested in humanitarian work, data governance, or personal growth. It's a reminder that in our increasingly data-driven world, we must never lose sight of the human element that makes our work meaningful!