Early Career Fellowship > 2025 Fellows

2025 Fellows

Alderik Oosthoek
(The Netherlands)

I am a policy manager at a national media regulator, where I draft regulatory policies and specialize in developing codes and rules for online platforms, video-on-demand services, and broadcasters. My current work focuses on protecting vulnerable groups, promoting media diversity, and enhancing accessibility to create a thriving, diverse, and safe media landscape.

With a background in public law and administration, I am particularly interested in the intersection of public policy and legislation, especially in digital affairs. Previously, as a policy advisor in the European Parliament, I contributed to key legislation such as the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, …

and the EU regulation on preventing and combating child sexual abuse online.

Through my various roles, I have also gained experience in political communication and public affairs.

I enjoy navigating the delicate balance between protecting individuals and society from harm while also securing the benefits of technological advancements. I am passionate about championing online safety, digital rights, and media diversity.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, singing karaoke, and exploring Ireland’s cultural scene and natural beauty while living in Dublin.

Anoushka Roy
(India)

I am currently a policy and regulatory consultant at Deloitte, where I help businesses and governments in navigating and shaping complex technology and economic laws in India. I am deeply invested in technology and its potential contributions to our ecology.

My background is in public policy and governance, and I firmly believe in leveraging technology to advance socioeconomic objectives. I am always striving to learn how to utilize technology for transformative change.

When I’m not focused on technology and governance, I’m lacing up my boxing gloves or struggling to groove on the bass!

Arden Farrow
(United Kingdom)

I am an advocacy project coordinator at the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). In this role, I coordinate projects that focus on using “connectivity for good.” These initiatives address various areas, including climate action, digital public policy, and women’s digital skills, with an emphasis on advocating for accessible and inclusive connections for everyone.

My current responsibilities include delivering reports on sustainability in telecommunications and moderating expert training sessions for policymakers on technical topics, such as leveraging AI for impact. These diverse experiences have fueled my passion for …

utilizing technology to address socioeconomic inequalities. With my background in research and project management, I aim to develop impactful policies and projects that combat the “digital divide” related to age, gender, and geography.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing the electric guitar, reading novels, and sewing clothes!

Divine Omozokpia
(United Kingdom)

I am a cybersecurity professional and the programs lead for the CyberGirls Fellowship at the CyberSafe Foundation. In this role, I design and manage training programs that empower young women across Africa to build successful careers in cybersecurity. My work involves creating structured learning pathways, facilitating mentorship, and fostering industry collaborations to help bridge the gender gap in the field.

With a background in computer engineering and a master’s degree in cybersecurity, I am deeply committed to raising awareness, establishing governance, and building capacity in cybersecurity. My focus is on creating a safer and more inclusive digital ecosystem by ensuring that more individuals, particularly women, have access to the right knowledge and opportunities.

Outside of work, I enjoy engaging in faith-based reflections, volunteering, and exploring the Internet.

Germán López Ardila
(Colombia)

I am a lawyer, lecturer, and advocate specializing in technology policy, artificial intelligence, and Internet governance. Currently, I serve as the legal and regulatory affairs director at the Colombian Chamber of IT and Telecoms (CCIT). I teach courses on tech regulation at several universities in Colombia and Chile.

In 2023, I was appointed as an Internet Society Youth Ambassador. Previously, I was a Policy Shapers Fellow with LACNIC in 2022, and I served as a Global Policy Fellow at the Institute of Technology and Society (ITS) in Rio de Janeiro in 2023. I also held the position of Junior Research Fellow at the Latin American Center for Telecom Studies (cet.la) in 2023, and I am one of the leaders of the Open Internet for Democracy Initiative (OIDI) of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), also in 2023.

Additionally, I participated in the Latin American Leadership Program at …

Georgetown University in 2024 and was a Fellow in the EU: CD Program on cybersecurity through EU Cyber Direct in 2024.

Harisa Shahid
(Pakistan)

I am Harisa Shahid, an early-career cybersecurity professional from Pakistan and a dedicated advocate for online safety, digital rights, and digital inclusion. I work as an information security engineer in the private sector, focusing on strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and fostering safer digital ecosystems.

I have been actively involved in the Internet governance ecosystem through initiatives and organizations such as NetMission.Asia, APIGA, MEAC-SIG, ISOC, ICANN, APNIC Foundation, APAN, and the UN Global IGF. Currently, I’m serving as the youth representative on the Women in Internet Governance Leadership Team, Community Engagement and Outreach Team lead for ISOC Online Safety SIG, and contributor to the Virtual School on Internet Governance, which promotes greater accessibility and digital literacy programs in Pakistan’s academic institutions.

Now, as an Internet Society Early Career …

Fellow, I aim to further my impact by building secure and inclusive digital environments, with a particular focus on empowering youth and girls from underserved and underprivileged regions.

Outside the digital world, I enjoy traveling to new places, connecting with people, and seeking new adventures. I have a passion for baking and am always experimenting with new recipes. My sweet tooth ensures there’s always room for dessert!

Ilana Gasa
(Zimbabwe)

I am the Project Team lead for digital resilience and media literacy at the Zimbabwe Information Technology and Empowerment Trust (ZITET). My focus is on equipping youth and vulnerable communities with critical digital skills to navigate online spaces safely. My work includes fact-checking, media literacy training, and countering disinformation, particularly in areas related to governance, public health, and civic engagement.

As an Early Career Fellow with the Internet Society (2025 cohort), I am passionate about advancing digital resilience, cybersecurity, and ethical Internet governance. Through this fellowship, I collaborate with global experts to explore innovative solutions that promote …

equitable and secure digital access, especially in regions affected by misinformation. My work particularly targets disinformation in health-related narratives, online political dialogue, and emerging AI-driven media manipulation.

I have a background in social work and public health, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health. My career combines youth leadership development, community engagement, and digital inclusion, ensuring that underrepresented voices are empowered in the digital landscape.

Outside of work, you might find me rewatching an old movie for the 20th time or playfully annoying my family.

Jack Goldsmith
(Australia)

I am a cyber security and emerging technology consultant and researcher with experience in public, private, and academic contexts. I’ve worked with government, industry, and civil society stakeholders across the Indo-Pacific to support cyber resilience, capacity building, privacy-conscious data governance, and AI adoption. My academic affiliation is with the Australian National University (ANU), with which I publish frequently on cyber, AI, and emerging technologies across a range of international fora.

I passionately believe in equitable global access to the Internet and to the digital and physical resources and infrastructure that make it run and secure.

Maria Pericàs
(Spain)

I am a cybersecurity and international relations professional specializing in cyber diplomacy, critical infrastructure protection, and the impact of emerging technologies on international security. At the German Council on Foreign Relations, I focus on these areas through research and policy engagement. Additionally, as a fellow with the German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport, I contribute to shaping Germany’s and Europe’s approach to an open, secure, and resilient Internet.

I gained experience at the Munich Security Conference and the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the …

Autonomous University of Madrid, LMU Munich, and the University of Zurich.

Ruth Njeri
(Kenya)

I am a network engineer specializing in data communications and networking, with a strong focus on community-driven connectivity solutions. Currently, I work at Tanda Community network, where I expand connectivity in underserved communities. My responsibilities include deploying fiber and wireless networks, training community members in digital skills, and supporting community-led Internet initiatives.

With a background in information and communication technology and certifications in wireless networking, I have actively participated in community networks, fiber deployment, and digital literacy projects. I have also been involved in initiatives such as the National School of Community Networks and workshops that explore meaningful access to information, where technology, policy, and community engagement intersect. My passion is bridging the digital divide and ensuring that people in informal settlements and rural areas have reliable Internet access.

I believe in the power of technology to …

empower communities and drive social change. My work is motivated by the need to create equitable access to information and opportunities through connectivity.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying fit, participating in community events, mentoring young women aspiring to enter the tech field, and discussing gender inclusion and rights.

Tejasi Panjiar
(India)

I am a policy analyst at the Quantum Hub, a public policy research and consulting firm. My role involves conducting research and analysis to shape evidence-based technology policy interventions. My professional experience primarily focuses on protecting the critical aspects of the Internet and advancing digital rights in India, with particular expertise in data privacy, freedom of expression, and platform accountability.

I hold a master’s degree in public policy and co-founded the Feminist Economics and Policy Initiative, a student-led initiative dedicated to exploring economic research and policy through a gendered lens.

As an Internet Society Early Career Fellow, I am committed to leveraging my experience in civil society collaboration to strengthen a resilient, rights-based Internet ecosystem.

Outside of work, I enjoy reminiscing about past travels or planning my next adventure, diving into online fan theories, and exploring new cuisines.

Wale Bakare
(Nigeria)

I am a passionate advocate for digital citizenship, online safety, digital rights, and inclusion. As the co-founder and director of partnership and sustainability at the Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative, I lead innovative programs that empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

I have extensive experience in championing digital rights and promoting safe online environments, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and youth. Through my work at Webfala, I have spearheaded initiatives aimed at educating parents, educators, and policymakers about the dangers of online exploitation and the importance of creating a safer Internet for everyone.

My contributions include organizing awareness campaigns, facilitating workshops on digital literacy, and advocating for strong policies to protect children from online abuse. My commitment to these causes has established me as a leader in driving sustainable change …

within Nigeria’s digital landscape and beyond.

I believe that everyone, especially children, deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe and inclusive digital environment, and I remain dedicated to making this vision a reality.

Yusuf Munna
(Bangladesh)

I am the founder and executive director of Reflective Teens (RT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering under-resourced schools across Bangladesh. We design innovative solutions to address the challenges these schools face. Over the past 12 years, our organization has engaged more than 650,000 young adults from Bangladesh and eight other countries in South and Southeast Asia.

In addition to our educational initiatives, we advocate for policies that promote equitable learning, ensure Internet safety for underserved communities, and leverage digital tools for social good.

I am a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community and the Possibilists Council, which brings together young leaders to drive social impact. I have represented Bangladesh at various global platforms, including ChangemakerXchange, the Conference of Parties (COP28 and COP29), the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the BIMSTEC Youth Summit, and the Bangladesh Youth Delegation. Through these engagements, I contribute to discussions on policy, education, and digital transformation.

My work has been recognized with several honors, including the Diana Award and the Ashoka Young Changemaker Award.

Disclaimer: The Internet Society reserves the sole right to decide if an applicant proposal meets the eligibility requirements.

2025 Fellows

Alderik Oosthoek (The Netherlands)

Anoushka Roy (India)

Arden Farrow (United Kingdom)

Divine Omozokpia (United Kingdom)

Germán López Ardila (Colombia)

Harisa Shahid (Pakistan)

Ilana Gasa(Zimbabwe)

Jack Goldsmith(Australia)

Maria Pericàs(Spain)

Ruth Njeri(Kenya)

Tejasi Panjiar(India)

Wale Bakare(Nigeria)

Yusuf Munna(Bangladesh)