Nigeria’s Anna Makanju: OpenAI’s Global Diplomacy Trailblazer

Anna Adeola Makanju, originally from Nigeria and born in Russia, has made a significant impact on global policy affairs. Currently holding the position of Vice President of Global Affairs at OpenAI, a leading AI-oriented organization, Makanju is instrumental in shaping the company’s policies and engagement strategies.

Makanju’s unique background includes a Ukrainian mother and a Nigerian father, and she spent much of her early life between Lagos and Leningrad. Her journey in policy-making spans diverse roles, including her previous position as the Manager of Global Policy at Facebook and Senior Policy Advisor to the Vice President on Europe and Eurasia during the Obama/Biden administration for eight years.

Beyond her work at OpenAI, Makanju has held key positions in foreign policy at the White House, Department of State, and Pentagon. Notably, she served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the United States Mission to the United Nations, Director for Russia at the National Security Council, and Chief of Staff for European and NATO Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

In addition to her professional roles, Makanju is actively engaged in advisory capacities. She is a member of the Advisory Council of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and serves on the boards of Coty, an American beauty brand, and Panera Bread. Furthermore, she holds the position of Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Education-wise, Makanju holds a degree in linguistics and French from Western Washington University, along with a law degree from Stanford. Her legal expertise extends to work at international criminal tribunals in the Hague, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and the international arbitration group of Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton LLP.

Since joining OpenAI in September 2021, Makanju has played a pivotal role in transforming the organization from a startup into a major player in the AI industry. She emphasizes OpenAI’s core principles, including a commitment to distributing AI benefits widely, ensuring long-term safety, fostering collaboration, and maintaining technical leadership.

Anna Adeola Makanju’s story is a powerful reminder of the incredible impact women can have in global affairs and technology. Her leadership at OpenAI and diverse career showcase the strength and potential of women in shaping the future.

Let’s celebrate and support women everywhere, encouraging them to pursue their passions, break barriers, and leave their mark on the world. Anna’s journey is an inspiration for every woman to embrace her capabilities and make a lasting impact.

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