Lawyer. Leader. Liaison.
Alicia Tambe ’11 is bridging the global gap to bring the masses together through technology and digital inclusion. As the head of International Organizations for Connectivity & Inclusion at Meta (the parent company for Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp), Tambe travels the world to aid in technological advancements, facilitate reliable internet accessibility, and give marginalized groups the tools needed to thrive in the modern world.
Collaborating with international representatives, policymakers and stakeholders, Tambe is also the primary liaison for the International Telecommunications Union — the United Nations’ specialized agency for telecommunication policies.
Her passions lie in fostering relationships and keeping different areas of the world connected and unified.
“Working with tech and international relations is never boring! I’m constantly looking for different digital solutions. ‘How can we increase digital literacy in girls and women in tech? How can we help people everywhere create a steady income? How can we help with disaster relief in affected areas? What is the global economic impact of certain tech apps?’ There is so much to do!”
As a child of immigrants from Cameroon, Tambe has seen firsthand the importance of global culture, traveling and interconnectivity between countries. She witnessed her parents work hard to provide a better life while remaining in touch with their relatives back home.
“Knowing I have all these relatives back home makes me proud. The global nature of life has always been around me. It was important that I continued that narrative for myself and pursued international relations. Some people learn about the global world through college, but it was already ingrained in me.”
A 2011 UAlbany graduate and member of the sorority Kappa Alpha Kappa, Tambe received a bachelor of arts in political science with a minor in Chinese studies and global studies. She is a licensed attorney and currently sits on the advisory board for Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.
"Working with tech and international relations is never boring! I’m constantly looking for different digital solutions."
Tambe previously worked as regulatory counsel at the telecom company SES, focusing on global satellite and connectivity regulatory issues. She was a counsel and regional specialist for Africa in the International Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission. Tambe interned as a law clerk at the White House and also interned for the deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Trade Representative Office.
She attributes much of her passion for international relations to her formative college years. While at the University, she studied abroad in China.
“Studying political science at [UAlbany] inspired me to become a lawyer for international negotiations. I didn’t know I’d work in tech or telecommunications. I don’t have a tech background. I’m a lawyer. I’ve always done political science. But that’s the beauty of tech. You don’t need a specialization. You just need to have a passion for creating innovative solutions.”
For Tambe, fostering a sense of community is a crucial component of global connectivity and human interaction. She’s traveled to more than 45 countries, holding negotiations in cities like Dubai, Jakarta, Nairobi and Brussels.
She has leveraged those coveted global connections to catapult her career and create a space to facilitate those solutions for the next generations to come.
“It’s important to bridge the gap between everyone. The youth, in particular, contribute so much to innovation and global technology. We must have integration programs where the youth stands aside experienced practitioners to learn about tech. We need that sense of connection amongst us all to continue to grow together.”
