Debugged S3 E9: Revolutionizing Civic Tech with Cori Zarek

Hello! Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that connects the country’s youth with technology by debugging the intricate world of computer science.

In this episode, host Medha Gupta chats with Cori Zarek, the Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Digital Service. Zarek began her career as a lawyer, where she worked with journalists on a variety of first amendment and freedom of information issues. As she discovered the growing transparency and open data ecosystem within the public sector, though, she was inspired to make a career change.

Zarek discusses her transition to a role at the National Archives, where she worked on government-wide policies and programs surrounding access to information and open data. She also touches on some of the work she’s most proud of for its technological innovation and social impact.

Having joined the White House staff in 2013 as a Senior Advisor for Open Government, Zarek shares her insights into why the U.S. Digital Service plays an important role in government, as well as its founding story. She reflects on how her background at the White House and beyond has taught her how to interact and work with different stakeholders at the U.S. Digital Service today.

Alongside her positions in the public sector, Zarek co-founded the nonprofit U.S. Digital Response, which connects pro-bono technologists and technology enablers to governments and organizations requiring immediate assistance in moments of crisis. Additionally, she co-founded Technologists for the Public Good and remains on the board of directors today. Reflecting on her time at both of these organizations, she emphasizes that the field of civic technology is still relatively new, with lots of opportunity space remaining. As she puts it, “there is often never enough data or technology expertise when we want it and need it the most.”

Whether it be at the White House, the USDS, the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation at Georgetown University—where she served as a director for over three years—or the two nonprofits she founded, Zarek stresses the importance of bringing the skills of different community members together to achieve great things. She later shares her thoughts about the biggest opportunities for technological impact over the next five to ten years in the public sector.

Finally, Zarek shares her advice for younger students and early career professionals hoping to get involved in the field of civic technology and places to find internships! Tune in to this week’s episode of Debugged to learn more about Cori Zarek’s inspiring career path, and fascinating work in various organizations.

More about Debugged

Founded in 2021 by the Congressional App Challenge’s Alumni Advisory Board, Debugged is a unique podcast experience that seeks to redefine STEM education, shine a light on diverse voices, and further the narrative around a myriad of computer science topics. By highlighting trends in the industry, breaking down complicated concepts, and interviewing high profile guests, listeners are given the opportunity to delve into the world of technology in an analytical yet engaging way.

Debugged is free to stream on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more via Anchor.fm! To be the first to know about new episodes, and to learn more about the team of eleven alumni behind every one, follow @cacdebugged on Instagram and X. Thank you so much for your viewership; we hope you enjoy the episode!