Hopelab Welcomes Arielle Geismar to Board of Directors
Arielle adds a vital voice in youth mental health and digital wellness expertise to Hopelab's leadership.
Building a thriving digital future
Arielle brings extensive experience as a content creator, digital and mental wellness advocate, and tech policy strategist. Most recently, she co-chaired Design It For Us, a youth-led coalition that has successfully advocated for safer online platforms, including support for California’s groundbreaking Age Appropriate Design Code Act. Her advocacy work earned recognition on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for Social Media in recognition of her efforts to shape the future of the internet.
Prior to her responsible technology focus, Arielle gained national attention as a gun violence prevention activist. At age 16, she mobilized thousands of young people to walkout of their schools in NYC. Her policy expertise on youth mental health and technology issues has been sought by former President Biden’s transition team and the British Parliament.
A 2024 graduate of George Washington University, where she served as student body president, Arielle has previously collaborated with Hopelab as a consultant and grantee, providing her with deep insight into our organization’s evolution and impact.
“Arielle's unique perspective bridges the critical intersection of technology, policy, and youth mental health. Her lived experience as both an advocate and a young person navigating today's digital landscape makes her an invaluable addition to our board as we continue working to create a world where Brown, Black, and Queer young people can thrive."
Getting to know Arielle Geismar, Hopelab’s newest Board Member
Hi Arielle! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Arielle: Sure thing. My name is Arielle (she/her). I have a background in youth movement organizing. I care deeply about empowering young people and our online experiences. I work in the responsible technology space as an advocate for ethical technology and strive to implement policies that make technology more ethical for everyone.
When you were in high school, you organized thousands of New York City students to walk out of school to protest gun violence. Was this the beginning of your path as an organizer? What inspired you to organize a walkout?
Arielle: In high school, I organized my peers to walk out and protest inaction on gun violence. Through that work, I saw how interconnected all these issues are — gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, mental health. Then I lost a close friend to suicide as I graduated, which shifted my focus to the intersection of mental health and the internet.
After high school, I took a gap year to work on Capitol Hill, lobbying for bills around LGBTQ+ rights, gun violence prevention, and mental health. I continued that activism through college in D.C., and now I work in digital governance and AI safety, still advocating for young people. What drives me is the belief in young people’s innate power and the conviction in a better future. That’s why working with Hopelab feels so meaningful.
How do you feel about joining the Hopelab Board of Directors?
Arielle: I am incredibly excited to join the Hopelab board! I’m beyond honored, and I think Hopelab has an amazing track record in — and is a great representation of — putting young people in positions of power. This new board position is no different. I’m so excited to work with everyone at Hopelab and create impactful projects together
What do you hope to bring to Hopelab’s board?
Arielle: I’m Hopelab’s first youth member of the board, so I’m incredibly excited to take that step together. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience in policy, movement building, and AI governance to the board. Creating a safer digital world and a better technological future has been central to my work, and I’m eager to contribute that perspective while learning from other board members.
How is your personal mission aligned with Hopelab?
Arielle: I believe young people are the epicenter of power, and Hopelab shares that vision. I’m committed to bringing that perspective to the board and our work together. Hopelab is leaning into its mission to protect young Queer people during such an essential time.
How is joining the Hopelab board at this particular time aligned with your journey and approach?
Arielle: I graduated from college a year ago and now work in digital governance and AI safety. Joining Hopelab at this pivotal moment in its strategic sharpening feels particularly meaningful, especially as we focus our mission on improving the thriving of Brown, Black, and Queer young people. My background aligns closely with this vision, and I’m looking forward to the impactful work we’ll accomplish together over the next few years
