Photo of Sarah Kennedy ’18

Sarah Kennedy ’18

Program Officer – Open Government Partnership
Berlin Germany Website: LinkedIn

Biography

Sarah is an international policy professional working for the Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) global support unit, where she focuses on policy and organizational partnerships across the fields of digital governance. Her work centers on issues such as the public sector’s use of AI and algorithmic systems, government digital transformation, and the challenges of mis- and disinformation.

OGP is a global platform of 74 national governments that collaborate directly with civil society organizations to co-create reforms strengthening transparency, accountability, and public participation. In her role on the secretariat, Sarah connects governments pursuing similar reforms, links global partners with local innovators, and manages international funding opportunities for civil society groups advancing open governance at the ground level.

She approaches this work with a pragmatic public policy background shaped by experience in private-sector consulting, giving her a distinctive perspective within the broader human-rights-oriented international governance community. Having navigated the complex pathways available to Americans seeking international careers—and ultimately obtaining European citizenship without traditional routes—she is also passionate about helping students understand the realities, opportunities, and challenges of studying, working, and living abroad.

A 2018 graduate of OWU, Sarah majored in International Studies and French, minored in English, and was active in a cappella groups, orchestra, language clubs, and spring break service trips. She is open to ongoing engagement with OWU students and alumni, including:
– Speaking with students virtually or by phone
– Presenting to student organizations
– Conducting virtual webinars
– Assisting recent alumni or alumni in transition
– Hosting students for shadowing opportunities if they are already studying abroad in Berlin, and meeting with student groups traveling in the region for TIPIT or similar programs

She is happy to be contacted a few times per year and can determine availability on a case-by-case basis.

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