About me
I am Olivia Blanchard and I am a consultant, researcher and trainer on the impact of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society. I work from Barcelona and internationally.
I work with organisations such as the Social Observatory of the “la Caixa” Foundation, Eurofound (European Commission), the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (United Nations), the Inter-American Development Bank, among others.
I am co-founder of the Gender and Gig Economy Working Group, a collective of over 65 experts from academia and policy, from over 16 countries.Every month I facilitate virtual discussion groups on the opportunities and challenges posed by the digital economy and platform work from a gender perspective.
For five years, until January 2024, I've been senior researcher and coordinator of the Mobile World Capital Foundation in Barcelona. Throughout this period, I led the research think tank Digital Future Society on the future of work and researched and wrote the first report published in Spain on the digital platforms of work in the sector of home care. I wrote numerous reports, with recommendations for policymakers on the future of work from a gender perspective, the use of technology in the public administration, the humanism of technology, the metaverse, among other topics. You can see examples of my work in the section Portfolio.
About me
I am Olivia Blanchard and I am a consultant, researcher and trainer on the impact of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society. I work from Barcelona and internationally.
I work with organisations such as the Social Observatory of the “la Caixa” Foundation, Eurofound (European Commission), the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (United Nations), the Inter-American Development Bank, among others.
I am co-founder of the Gender and Gig Economy Working Group, a collective of over 65 experts from academia and policy, from over 16 countries.Every month I facilitate virtual discussion groups on the opportunities and challenges posed by the digital economy and platform work from a gender perspective.
For five years, until January 2024, I've been senior researcher and coordinator of the Mobile World Capital Foundation in Barcelona. Throughout this period, I led the research think tank Digital Future Society on the future of work and researched and wrote the first report published in Spain on the digital platforms of work in the sector of home care. I wrote numerous reports, with recommendations for policymakers on the future of work from a gender perspective, the use of technology in the public administration, the humanism of technology, the metaverse, among other topics. You can see examples of my work in the section Portfolio.
Throughout my career, seeking the welfare of people and putting the spotlight on issues that do not get much visibility has been a thread that gives meaning to my work.
I worked for over a decade in advocacy and communications positions in international NGOs, mainly with Doctors Without Borders, and I have worked and lived in different countries in Europe, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
I am bilingual native level in English and Spanish and I have the Level C Certificate in Catalan, so I can work with you in either of these three languages.
Regarding my formal education, I have a first-class degree in Political Sciences (Bristol University, UK) and a postgrad in Gender Studies (Col·legi de Professionals de les Ciències Polítiques i Socials de Catalunya). I am also trained in social science research methods (London School of Economics) and I have a certificate in Ethics of AI (London School of Economics).
Throughout my career, seeking the welfare of people and putting the spotlight on issues that do not get much visibility has been a thread that gives meaning to my work.
I worked for over a decade in advocacy and communications positions in international NGOs, mainly with Doctors Without Borders, and I have worked and lived in different countries in Europe, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
I am bilingual native level in English and Spanish and I have the Level C Certificate in Catalan, so I can work with you in either of these three languages.
In regards to my education, I graduated in Political Science (University of Bristol, Uk) and I have a graduate degree in Gender studies (Col·legi de Professionals de les Ciències Politiques i Socials de Catalunya). On the other hand, I have formed in research techniques in Social Science (London School of Economics) and I have a certificate in Ethics of AI (London School of Economics).
Purpose
My purpose is to generate knowledge and contribute to the debate on the ethical and social challenges presented by technology and Artificial Intelligence
Mission
My mission is to be a channel, to give visibility to social issues that affect communities in a vulnerable situation and to amplify little-heard voices.
Vision
My vision is a more conscious and equitable society that places people, care and ecology at its heart.
My story
I have always felt like I am a mix of an academic researcher and a journalist, and have always been drawn towards researching and giving visibility to social issues from a gender, human rights and social perspective.
This is what drove me to study Political Sciences at University and dedicate a significant part of my career to working in communications and advocacy roles in NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders.
It is the thread that led me to travel and investigate the situation of tibetan refugees in exile in Nepal and Indiagender-based violence in Argentina, the violation of human rights in Colombia or sexual violence in Guatemala.
It is the thread that continues to run through my work today as I focus on how technology impacts society and how it affects, in particular, people in vulnerable situations.
My story
I have always felt like I am a mix of an academic researcher and a journalist, and have always been drawn towards researching and giving visibility to social issues from a gender, human rights and social perspective.
This is what drove me to study Political Sciences at University and dedicate a significant part of my career to working in communications and advocacy roles in NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders.
It is the thread that led me to travel and investigate the situation of tibetan refugees in exile in Nepal and Indiagender-based violence in Argentina, the violation of human rights in Colombia or sexual violence in Guatemala.
It is the thread that continues to run through my work today as I focus on how technology impacts society and how it affects, in particular, people in vulnerable situations.
