Alexandra Reeve Givens is a British-American lawyer and one of the most influential voices shaping how law, technology, and civil rights intersect today. She currently serves as President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting democratic values, privacy, and human rights in the digital age.
Through her work, Alexandra Reeve Givens has become a central figure in global debates about artificial intelligence, online privacy, free expression, surveillance, and election integrity. Her leadership reflects a broader shift in technology governance—one that prioritizes people, accountability, and democracy over unchecked innovation.
Early Life and Family Background
Alexandra Reeve Givens was born on November 25, 1983, in London, England. She is the daughter of the late actor, director, and disability-rights advocate Christopher Reeve and British artist Gae Exton.
Growing up in a family deeply connected to public life and advocacy shaped her worldview from an early age. While her father became a global symbol of resilience and disability rights after his spinal cord injury, Alexandra Reeve Givens chose a different path—one rooted in law, policy, and democratic institutions rather than entertainment.
She is one of three children of Christopher Reeve, alongside Matthew Reeve and journalist William “Will” Reeve, each of whom has carried forward aspects of their father’s public-service legacy.
Education: Building a Strong Legal Foundation
Alexandra Reeves Givens pursued her undergraduate education at Yale University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, reflecting academic excellence and intellectual rigor. She later earned her Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School (Class of 2008).
During her time at Columbia Law School, she focused on:
- Constitutional and administrative law
- International human rights law
- The role of courts and institutions in protecting democratic norms
These academic interests proved foundational as digital technology increasingly challenged existing legal and civil-rights frameworks.
Early Career: From Corporate Law to Public Service
After graduating from law school, Alexandra Reeves Givens began her legal career as a litigator at Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City, one of the most prestigious law firms in the United States. There, she developed:
- Advanced legal analysis skills
- Strategic advocacy experience
- A strong understanding of complex regulatory systems
Although successful in corporate law, she soon transitioned into public service, where her impact would become far broader.
U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and Federal Policy Work
Alexandra Reeves Givens joined the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, initially working on judicial nominations before rising to the role of Chief Counsel for Intellectual Property and Antitrust.
In this influential position, she worked on:
- Technology and innovation policy
- Competition and antitrust regulation
- Online speech and First Amendment issues
- Consumer protection and access to medicines
- Patent reform and intellectual property law
This period marked her deep engagement with how law structures markets, innovation, and individual rights, particularly in the technology sector.
Academic Leadership at Georgetown Law
Before becoming CEO of CDT, Alexandra Reeves Givens served as the Founding Executive Director of the Institute for Technology Law & Policy at Georgetown University Law Center.
In this role, she:
- Built interdisciplinary research programs
- Led high-level policy convenings with lawmakers, academics, and industry leaders
- Developed educational initiatives for future technology-policy professionals
She also served as an adjunct professor at both Georgetown Law and Columbia Law School, mentoring students interested in public-interest law, technology governance, and federal policy.
President & CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology
As President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, Alexandra Reeves Givens leads one of the world’s most respected digital-rights organizations.
Under her leadership, CDT focuses on:
- Privacy and data protection
- Responsible and accountable artificial intelligence
- Online free expression and content moderation
- Surveillance reform
- Election integrity and trustworthy digital information
She regularly testifies before the U.S. Congress, advises policymakers in the United States and abroad, and engages with technology companies to promote systems that respect human rights by design.
Her leadership style emphasizes coalition-building, bringing together civil-rights organizations, technologists, lawmakers, and affected communities to create fair and democratic technology policies.
Public Voice and Thought Leadership
Alexandra Reeves Givens is a widely recognized public commentator on technology and democracy. She has appeared on major media outlets such as CNN, NPR, CBS News, and has been featured in publications including The Washington Post, Slate, and Wired.
A consistent theme in her public work is the idea that:
Technology is never neutral—its design and governance directly affect democracy, equality, and human freedom.
Board Service and Civic Engagement
Beyond her work at CDT, Alexandra Reeves Givens serves on several boards and advisory bodies, including:
- The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
- Civic and technology-inclusion councils
- Policy and ethics initiatives focused on AI and digital governance
These roles reflect her long-standing commitment to public service, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
Personal Life
Alexandra Reeve Givens is married to Garren Givens, whom she met while studying at Yale University. The couple has two children and maintains a largely private family life, balancing professional leadership with personal commitments.
Why Alexandra Reeve Givens Matters
In an era defined by rapid technological change, Alexandra Reeve Givens stands out for her ability to:
- Translate complex technology issues into democratic values
- Bridge law, public policy, and lived human impact
- Advocate for systems that protect rights, not just efficiency
Her career reflects a new model of leadership—one that recognizes that the future of technology is inseparable from the future of democracy itself.
Alexandra Reeve Givens – Quick Facts
- Born: November 25, 1983
- Birthplace: London, England
- Nationality: British-American
- Education: Yale University (BA), Columbia Law School (JD)
- Current Role: President & CEO, Center for Democracy & Technology
- Known For: Digital rights, privacy, AI governance, democracy
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Alexandra Reeve Givens is a British-American lawyer and technology policy expert. She is best known as the President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, where she works on issues related to privacy, digital rights, artificial intelligence, and democracy.
Alexandra Reeve Givens is known for her leadership in technology governance and civil-rights advocacy, particularly in areas such as online privacy, responsible AI, free expression, surveillance reform, and election integrity.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Yale University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and her Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 2008.
Yes. Alexandra Reeve Givens served on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, where she became Chief Counsel for Intellectual Property and Antitrust, working on technology policy, competition law, consumer protection, and First Amendment issues.
Yes. Alexandra Reeve Givens is the daughter of Christopher Reeve, the late actor and disability-rights advocate best known for portraying Superman and for his advocacy following a spinal cord injury.
Her current work focuses on:
Digital privacy and data protection
Artificial intelligence accountability
Online free expression
Surveillance reform
Election integrity and democratic resilience
Yes. She previously served as the Founding Executive Director of the Institute for Technology Law & Policy at Georgetown University Law Center and has been an adjunct professor at both Georgetown Law and Columbia Law School.
Yes. Alexandra Reeve Givens is married to Garren Givens, whom she met while studying at Yale University. They have two children and maintain a largely private family life.
Alexandra Reeve Givens is important because she bridges law, public policy, and real-world impact, advocating for technology systems that protect human rights, democratic institutions, and marginalized communities rather than prioritizing profit or efficiency alone.
Conclusion
Alexandra Reeve Givens has emerged as one of the most credible and influential leaders working at the intersection of law, technology, and democracy. Through her role as President and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, she has helped shape critical conversations around privacy, artificial intelligence, free expression, and digital civil rights at a time when technology increasingly influences every aspect of public life.
Her career path—from elite legal training and corporate litigation to public service, academic leadership, and nonprofit advocacy—reflects a consistent commitment to ensuring that technological progress serves democratic values rather than undermines them. By combining legal expertise with coalition-building and public engagement, Alexandra Reeve Givens represents a modern model of leadership in technology governance.
