About
The Story Behind the Work
Małgosia Rejniak is a strategic leader in responsible AI, data governance, and public interest technology — with a career dedicated to strengthening how governments and mission-driven organizations use emerging technology to serve the public.
She currently serves as Program Manager for AI and Data Governance at the City of Long Beach, where she leads the city's AI strategy, policy development, and community engagement efforts. Previously, she directed Cornell Tech's Public Interest Technology Initiative, managing a $5M portfolio and securing $7M in new philanthropic funding to connect technical talent with public and nonprofit organizations. Before that, she managed strategic initiatives for the NYC Open Data Program at the Mayor's Office of Data Analytics, improving data quality across 3,000+ public datasets and launching community engagement programs reaching hundreds of New Yorkers.
Małgosia holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and a B.A. in Economics and International Studies from Yale University. She also holds certificates in Human-Centered Design and Product Management from eCornell.
Roots & Perspective
Polish Heritage
Born and raised in Poland, Małgosia grew up navigating two cultures and multiple languages — an experience that shaped her understanding of complex systems and her instinct to ask: who's at the table, and who's missing?
A Decade in New York
Małgosia spent over a decade in New York City — from Yale to Columbia to city government and Cornell Tech. NYC sharpened her understanding of urban governance, civic tech, and the power of public data to transform how cities serve their residents.
Global Outlook
From New Haven to New York to Santiago de Chile to Los Angeles, her path has crossed cities, sectors, and disciplines. She speaks five languages — Polish, English, French, Spanish, and Marathi — and brings a cross-cultural lens to every project.
What Drives Me
Responsible Innovation
Technology adoption without governance is risk. I work to ensure AI and data tools are adopted thoughtfully — with clear policies, community input, and accountability built in from the start.
Bridging Sectors
The most impactful work happens where government, academia, philanthropy, and community intersect. My career has been spent building those bridges — translating between technical possibility and public need.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making
Good policy starts with good data. I'm committed to strengthening public sector data capacity so that decisions are grounded in evidence, not assumptions.
Community Voice
Whether running AI workshops for residents or training volunteer Open Data Ambassadors, I design programs that put community input at the center — not as an afterthought, but as the starting point.
Beyond Work
Outside of AI policy and community workshops, Małgosia is an avid traveler, a lifelong language learner, and a sports enthusiast of all kinds. She loves spending time outdoors and believes the best ideas often come from unexpected places — a conversation in a new city, a hike with a fresh perspective, or a dish from home that reminds you where you started.