Jessica Rosenworcel is the first woman to be Senate-confirmed to run the Federal Communications Commission. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn put a huge crack in that glass ceiling when she did a terrific job as acting Chairwoman back in 2013. And in 1948, Frieda Hennock became the FCC’s first female Commissioner. For every one of these historic “firsts” there are always people who came before them, who cleared the path and made it easier for others to follow and go even farther. So, Jessica decided that she would launch “FIRSTS Conversations” to spotlight trailblazers who cleared the path for others or launched an innovative technology that changed how we operate and live our lives. We hope you find inspiration from the stories we captured as part of these conversations.
FIRSTS Conversation with the First Director of the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute
It seems that everywhere we turn you can’t escape hearing about how Artificial Intelligence will change the way we live—from healthcare to entertainment to education. Now imagine you’re tasked with helping write the federal government’s first executive orders on this evolving technology. Hear about Elizabeth Kelly’s experience meeting that moment and her work leading the AI Safety Institute. From tackling synthetic content to figuring out office space in the Bay Area, serving as the first Director of the AI Safety Institute came with a lot of lessons learned.
10 Jul 2024
FIRSTS Conversation with the First African-American NASA Administrator
Charlie Bolden is a former astronaut who became the first African American administrator of NASA in 2009. Under his leadership, NASA focused on advancing space exploration, including the development of the Space Launch System and the continuation of the Mars rover missions. Hear how he was "embarrassed " into being an astronaut, what it was like to work in NASA's safety division only weeks after the Challenger Disaster, and the three subsequent missions he lead after that, space diplomacy, and so much more. With the work the FCC is leading in in the Space Bureau and the growing importance of the space economy, this conversation highlights the United States’ role in keeping us connecting at the literal highest levels. Conversation recorded in July 2024.
31 May 2024
FIRSTS Conversation with the First Female Leader of ITU
Doreen Bogdan-Martin is the first woman to lead the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union in its 158-year history! She comes to this role with a long history of working in telecommunications and technology policy, with many years spent advancing digital inclusion and development around the world. Tune in to hear about what she believes it will take to close the digital divide around the world. Conversation recorded in May 2023.
2 Apr 2024
FIRSTS Conversation with One of the Father’s of the Internet
If you've ever, I don't know, sent an email or used the internet, you really should know this episode’s guest. Vint Cerf, one of the “Fathers of the Internet”, co-designed the TCP/IP protocols and the architecture of the Internet. He also helped to develop MCI Mail—the first commercial email system to be connected to the Internet. Hear about his journey to the development of these world-alerting protocols, what he sees as the future of Interstellar communication, and why he always wears a three-piece suit when hoodies are standard in the tech sector. Conversation recorded in April 2024.
2 Mar 2024
FIRSTS Conversation with a First of His Kind Documentarian
Jessica’s guest has been portrayed on The Simpsons multiple times and even has a the film editing effect named after him. Safe to say Ken Burns is pretty famous. He is a renowned American documentarian known for his signature style of storytelling with archival footage, interviews, and narration. He has produced and directed many award-winning documentaries, including The Civil War, Baseball, and The Vietnam War. He has also been honored for his first-of-their-kind documentaries with multiple Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In this episode, Ken Burns talks about his passion and work and the process of storytelling through film. Conversation recorded in March 2023.
11 Sept 2023
FIRSTS Conversation with the Creator of Craigslist
Craigslist and a trailblazer in his own right, Craig Newmark discusses the early internet days, how Craigslist was formed, and his most memorable transaction on Craigslist. This self-proclaimed 1950's style nerd talks about his philanthropic work, gender equality in STEM fields, helping our veterans and their families and his cybersecurity initiatives, and his love for pigeons. Listen to hear how all of these things make for a wonderful conversation. Conversation recorded in September 2023.
31 May 2023
FIRSTS Conversation with the First Female and African-American Librarian of Congress
Dr. Carla Hayden is no standard librarian. How many librarians can say they hung out with Lizzo for a day? She is the first woman to serve as the Librarian of Congress and the first African American to lead our national library. Two firsts in one! Hear her talk about how she stumbled into a career as a librarian, what roles libraries have in bridging the digital divide, and insights into the nature of books
19 Apr 2023
FIRSTS Conversation with the Founder of AOL
Steve Case is most famously known as the founder of AOL. Hear him discuss his circuitous path from being a Pizza Hut marketing manager in Wichita, Kansas to the head of the first iconic internet company. He shares insights about the early days of the commercial Internet, the lessons and the victories and the government’s role in a part of our lives many can’t live without, and what he sees as the future of the Internet. Conversation recorded in April 2023.
11 Nov 2022
FIRSTS Conversation with the First African-American FCC Chair
Given the theme of this podcast, it is no surprise who our first guest is: Bill Kennard, the first African-American to serve as FCC Chairman. He led the agency from 1997 to 2001, when rotary dial telephones were in use and no one had a cellphone. Hear about his efforts to bridge the digital divide in the early stages of the internet and his service as US Ambassador to the European Union. Kennard shares how that leadership position prepped him for his leadership position at the Commission. As someone who served at the highest levels of both the government and private sectors, he shares insights about what each can learn from one another. Conversation recorded in November 2022.
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