Open by Design: Building Trust in Policy and Tech | Katie Steen-James, Open Source Initiative

In this episode of Trust Be Told, Katie Steen-James shares her journey as an advocate in higher education, highlighting the evolving role of public trust in institutions and the growing need for communication, transparency, and collaboration. She discusses the challenges that higher education leaders face when engaging with students, lawmakers, and stakeholders, and how open-source technology and AI are shaping the future of education policy and innovation. The conversation also examines the power of personal stories in advocacy, the impact of polarization on institutional trust, and strategies for rebuilding trust in public institutions during periods of political and social change. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers insight into the future of trust, advocacy, and leadership in higher education. For more about Katie's work, visit the Open Source Initiative (OSI).  Takeaways Advocacy in higher education often begins with undergraduate students. Public trust in institutions is shifting and challenged by polarized politics. Engagement with students is a cornerstone of building long-term trust. Open source technology is reshaping education, innovation, and policy. Effective communication strategies must adapt to the changing landscape of trust. Personal stories can drive advocacy efforts more powerfully than data alone. Transparency is non-negotiable for building credibility with stakeholders. AI in education is still emerging, and its role in trust-building is critical to define. Stakeholder collaboration across sectors yields stronger, more sustainable solutions. Rebuilding trust requires time, authenticity, and genuine engagement. Trust for Thought "Trust is built on vulnerability." "You don't have to trust equally." "Trust is a learned experience." Keywords higher education, public trust, advocacy, open source technology, communication strategies, transparency, AI in education, stakeholder engagement, policy and politics, student advocacy, institutional trust, collaboration in education Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper: 📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack. ▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel. 📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod. 🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!