Anika Dugal is a freshman at Duke University studying Computer Science & Public Policy, with a certificate in Machine Learning. She is an 18-year-old activist for equitable artificial intelligence and works in the intersection of gender justice, responsible tech, AI ethics, and legislation. 

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Anika is the founder and president of Girls for Algorithmic Justice (GFAJ), the world's first and largest youth organization for gender equity in artificial intelligence. GFAJ currently has over 400 volunteers across 31 U.S. states and 28 countries, with chapters in 16 high schools. The organization’s programs have reached 3,500+ students globally. GFAJ has worked with the White House, U.S. Congress, United Nations, and more to create meaningful progress towards equitable AI. 

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Anika previously served as a student advisor to Congressman Frank Pallone’s Civil Rights Committee, representing a district of 450,000+ students. She served on the High School Democrats of America’s inaugural National Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce and led over 10,000 members in advocating for gun violence prevention policy. Anika also authored the bestselling children’s book “Padma into Policy: Safe & Equitable AI,” providing an engaging way for youth to learn about tech policy. 

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Anika’s work has been featured on the Today Show, Nasdaq, Yahoo News, Prudential billboard in Times Square, MSNBC, News12, and CBS. She has been recognized by President Biden, VP Kamala Harris, Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Corey Booker, and First Lady Jill Biden. She received a Letter of Commendation from the New Jersey State Legislature. She works closely with United Nations stakeholder groups, including serving in an advisory capacity at YOUNGO.

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Anika has been named a Coca-Cola Scholar, U.S. Senate Youth Delegate, and Prudential Emerging Visionary. She will be attending Duke University as an Angier B. Duke Scholar. Anika is deeply passionate about building a future for artificial intelligence grounded in safety, equity, and attention to the needs of marginalized communities.