Barika Edwards (she/her) is a 2016 CSIS Global Social Entrepreneur Fellow. She launched OweYaa, an award-winning social impact startup, from the Global Social Impact House in Costa Rica. OweYaa matched active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses to remote tech sector jobs. Barika has been recognized as an Elle Magazine Social Entrepreneur of the Year and was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Civic Hall in New York City. Barika champions diverse perspectives, and creative thought is essential for real innovation, whether in tech, entrepreneurship, or the arts sector. Barika was also the Executive Producer and Host of the long-running NYC arts radio program, the Artsy Fartsy Show, where she featured emerging and established artists. She is a Harvard Black Alumni Society Board Member and actively contributes to her alma mater by building connections for the student and alumni communities.
Currently, Barika is an MC-MPA candidate at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She intends to earn a PhD in Management focusing on ethical AI and is interested in systems change in business practice and policy design.
