SAN FRANCISCO (October 15, 2020) ChIPs, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing women in technology, law and policy, proudly welcomes longtime supporter, Victoria Espinel, to its Board of Directors.

Ms. Espinel is a highly respected authority on the intersection of technology innovation, global markets, and public policy. She currently serves as President and CEO at BSA | The Software Alliance, the leading advocate for the global software industry before governments and in the international marketplace. At BSA, Ms. Espinel leads strategic efforts that help shape the technology landscape in more than 30 countries through work in BSA’s 10 global offices. Ms. Espinel also currently serves as the President of Software.org: the BSA Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan international research organization created to help policymakers and the broader public better understand the impact that software has on our lives, our economy, and our society.

Ms. Espinel has served both Republican and Democratic Administrations in the area of intellectual property, first as the first ever chief U.S. Trade Negotiator for Intellectual Property and Innovation at the USTR and the first ever United States Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator for the White House. In the latter role she was responsible for the development and implementation of President Obama’s overall strategy for enforcement of intellectual property. Between her government engagements, Ms. Espinel was a professor of international trade and intellectual property at George Mason University School of Law. Despite her demanding responsibilities, Ms. Espinel has been active in leading efforts to empower young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. She founded and is an ongoing co-sponsor of Girls Who Code’s Washington, DC, summer immersion program. She also has been an active participant in the World Economic Forum for many years. And she has been a “ChIPster” for several years, including speaking at the 2013 Global Summit and the 2018 Next Gen Summit.

“We’re thrilled that Victoria is joining our leadership team. Her experience in shaping public policy, background in technology and innovation, and work at BSA engaging with some of the most innovative companies in the world brings a fresh perspective and valuable skill set to our board. Victoria’s participation will allow us to expand our reach and provide useful insights as we develop new initiatives and programs for our increasingly diverse membership,” said Noreen Krall, ChIPs Board Chairwoman.

“Having been a part of ChIPs for many years, it’s an honor and a pleasure to join the accomplished women on the ChIPs board,” said Espinel. “I’m excited about ChIPs’ focus on diversity of thought.  I’m particularly interested in how we can work together to encourage women and minorities to pursue careers in law, technology and policy to accelerate innovation. We know that incredible ideas come from all places; now we need to ensure that job opportunities reflect what our country looks like and that the ability to participate in the benefits of technology are widespread.”