Alyssa Harvey Dawson

Alyssa Harvey Dawson is an innovation leader who advises companies, boards, and institutions at the intersection of emerging technology. She began her professional journey in journalism, drawn to the field by her natural curiosity and desire to understand the “why” behind complex issues. Then, after earning her law degree from Georgetown Law, she began with communications law and media transactions, transitioned to the Bay Area and working with technology companies, doing M&A, tech transactions, intellectual property, privacy, and corporate governance, and then ultimately made her way back to the East Coast, heading up IP and Licensing teams and eventually becoming a Chief Legal Officer and a board member for innovation-driven enterprises. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside organizations shaping what comes next, whether in media, streaming technologies, software, urban innovation and AI-driven systems.

Today, Alyssa spends her professional time focused on responsible AI, data governance, and emerging technology strategy. She is interested in helping companies scale responsibly while navigating complex legal and ethical considerations. She is also a frequent speaker on AI ethics and innovation.

A proud graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences and a member of the Honors College, Alyssa earned her degree in Journalism. She credits MSU with providing the foundation for her career, offering the freedom to explore her interests and develop her voice through experiences such as The State News and Capital News radio. She remains actively involved with the university as a board member of the MSU Research Foundation and MSU’s Quello Center.

Alyssa also serves in several leadership roles, including as chair of the Philanthropy Committee and a member of the Technology & Innovation Committee for Make-A-Wish CT, as a member of the Board of Visitors at Georgetown Law and as an Advisory Board member and co-chair of the AI Governance Working Group for AI2030. Across all her endeavors, she is focused on advancing innovation while creating meaningful, lasting, responsible impact.

Alyssa encourages students to stay curious and open to new experiences. “Explore and be open to trying different things and learning from and with others,” she advises. She believes that stepping outside of your comfort zone is key to discovering your strengths, connecting to what you like to do and shaping a meaningful and impactful career.

Outside of professional endeavors, Alyssa volunteers at her teenage son’s school, enjoys tennis, is trying her hand at writing, and is an investor in early stage funds and the arts. She enjoys spending time with her son and husband, shares a love of sports with her family, and is passionate about creativity, storytelling, and lifelong learning.