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This is a Berkman Klein alum page. The information below may be out of date.

Kira is a JD candidate at Harvard Law School and an affiliate at the Berkman Klein Center.

Previously, she was a Senior Project Coordinator at Berkman Klein, where she worked on a variety of topics ranging from government use of algorithmic decision-making to internet access policy. Kira also helped run programs to educate policymakers about emerging technologies by connecting them with experts and practitioners. She remains deeply interested in how governments implement, interact with, and regulate technology, and how decisions in each area impact vulnerable communities and social justice.

Prior to joining Berkman Klein, Kira spent a year teaching English as a second language to high school students near Rouen, France. She also spent time as member of AARP Massachusetts advocacy and outreach teams. Kira graduated from Tufts University, summa cum laude, in 2013 with a political science degree, for which she wrote a thesis about what voters think when political candidates cry through the lens of gender.


Projects & Tools

Past

Municipal Fiber Initiative

Fiber optic networks are essential infrastructure for businesses, schools, government offices, and homes. But should your town, city, or municipal electric utility directly build…


Publications

Publication
Dec 10, 2018

Assessing the Assessments

Lessons From Early State Experiences In The Procurement And Implementation of Risk Assessment Tools

This report provides context for state and local officials considering the development, procurement, implementation, and use of Risk Assessment (RA) tools.

Publication
May 8, 2018

AGTech Forum Briefing Book: State Attorneys General and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is already starting to change our lives. Over the coming decades, these new technologies will shape many of our daily interactions and drive dramatic…

Publication
Feb 9, 2018

Follow-up Letter to the Members of the Massachusetts Legislature Regarding the Adoption of Actuarial Risk Assessment Tools in the Criminal Justice System

The following open letter — signed by Harvard and MIT-based faculty, staff, and researchers — is directed to the Massachusetts Legislature to inform its consideration of risk…

Publication
Jan 10, 2018

Community-Owned Fiber Networks: Value Leaders in America

Pricing Review Shows They Provide Least-Expensive Local "Broadband"

Our examination of advertised prices shows that community-owned fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks in the United States generally charge less for entry-level broadband service than…

Publication
Nov 9, 2017

An Open Letter to the Members of the Massachusetts Legislature Regarding the Adoption of Actuarial Risk Assessment Tools in the Criminal Justice System

This open letter — signed by Harvard and MIT-based faculty, staff, and researchers— is directed to the Massachusetts Legislature to inform its consideration of risk assessment…

Publication
Oct 5, 2017

Zero Rating & Internet Adoption

Workshop Paper & Research Agenda

In March of 2016, a diverse group of stakeholders gathered to discuss the use of zero rating as a means to improve Internet adoption in the developing world and how and when it…

Mar 22, 2017

Organization & Structure of Open Source Software Development Initiatives

Challenges & Opportunities Concerning Corporate Formation, Nonprofit Status, & Governance for Open Source Projects

A collection of case studies and organizational models for those who manage and participate in open source development initiatives.

Publication
Jul 8, 2015

Holyoke: A Massachusetts Municipal Light Plant Seizes Internet Access Business Opportunities

Holyoke Gas & Electric’s telecom division provides high-speed Internet access to local businesses and public agencies, bringing in revenue and profits while aiding in local…


News

News
Jul 11, 2018

Algorithms and Justice

Examining the role of the state in the development and deployment of algorithmic technologies

A retrospective from this first year of work, describing research modes and outputs and identifying takeaways.


Events

May 31, 2016 @ 12:00 PM

Exploring Corporate Structures and Governance Models for the Open-Source Community

featuring Dalia Topelson Ritvo and Kira Hessekiel

Come join Dalia Topelson Ritvo and Kira Hessekiel of the Berkman Center for a discussion on what corporate structures and governance models open source organizations can utilize…