Bethany Abbate BA’21 leads the AI safety debate on Capitol Hill

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, Bethany Abbate BA'21 has emerged as a key voice in shaping responsible AI regulation. As AI advances at an unprecedented pace, Abbate works at the forefront of policy development, bridging the gap between technological innovation and necessary safeguards.

Abbate is an advocate for balanced AI regulations in Washington, D.C., where she's a leading voice lobbying Congress for safeguards using the public speaking and communication skills she developed at Willamette. "Along with speaking at public events, I'm meeting with government stakeholders and staff on Capitol Hill almost every week," she says. "Like everywhere else, everybody in D.C. wants to talk about AI."

Abbate currently manages AI policy at the Software Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital information industries. Before SIIA, Abbate spent her post-Willamette years working in corporate and government settings, preparing her for engagement across both spheres.

Recently, Abbate shared her expertise on a panel discussion hosted by the Center for AI Policy to brief Congressional staff on AI's role in education. "AI can democratize access to educational resources and will continue to do so," she said on the panel. "For that to happen, we need to have a role for policymakers and a collaborative approach between educators and industry."

Abbate, who studied Civic Communication & Media at Willamette, reflects that her time in and out of the classroom was vital to developing the analytic and communication skills she uses to engage with government and industry leaders. "I was part of the debate union, where I learned essential skills from engaging with my peers and going to other schools to partake in dialogue and discourse about current events. I developed the ability to structure coherent arguments and thoughtfully consider differing perspectives. Those skills are essential in Washington, D.C."

"Professor Cindy Richards shared my interest in the intersection of technology, policy, and communications," Abbate says. "She was a mentor throughout my entire time at Willamette and helped me find fellowship and internship opportunities in the state government, like with then-State Treasurer Tobias Read and in the governor's office."

Abbate also served as an Admissions Ambassador and coordinated the Willamette Dance Company, where she built her confidence as a leader "I had so many opportunities to engage in different areas that don't necessarily have anything to do with one another but create a well-rounded individual. Willamette was the perfect environment for nurturing all my interests."

Thanks to her Willamette education, Abbate is a policy professional who understands the relationship between technology, communication, and governance. Her work comes at a critical time, as governments worldwide struggle to create regulations that can keep pace with rapid advancements in AI.

As AI continues to transform various sectors, Abbate remains committed to ensuring that technological progress is matched with responsible oversight and thoughtful policy-making.