Cynthia Kao

Cynthia Kao began the first fifteen years of her career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma, addiction and organizational health while serving as an active-duty military spouse and the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Public Affairs Specialist and Combat Media Embed. After transitioning into the digital communications and innovative technology field post military service, Cynthia led the largest national military technology non-profit called Operation Code, advocating and providing wraparound services, scholarships and professional development for service members, Veterans and military families in tech careers for over 15,000 members.

As a frequent guest speaker and panelist, Cynthia is passionate about the intersection of technology, communications, AI and ethics, has created over 120+ user-centered applications and software products as a founder and technology product leader.

She now joins the team at Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) providing human-centered communications needs and evidence-based solutions for PERIL’s programs and initiatives.