Waymo policy leader brings expertise in technology, transportation and government affairs.
The McCourt School of Public Policy welcomes Stefania Yanachkov (SFS’06), senior manager of federal policy and government affairs at Waymo, to its Advisory Board. Established in October 2021, the board brings together more than 20 leaders in politics, policy, business and philanthropy who offer expertise on strategic priorities, raise the visibility of the School and support the School’s mission of building an inclusive community of rigorously trained, ethically grounded future leaders.
Yanachkov brings deep experience at the intersection of emerging technology and public policy, along with a career spanning Capitol Hill, the federal government and the nonprofit sector.
“Stefania’s career reflects the best of what a Georgetown education makes possible,” said McCourt School Dean Carole Roan Gresenz. “From countering human trafficking abroad to shaping federal tech policy, Stefania’s perspective will help us prepare students to lead on the policy questions that will define the next decade and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome her as a member of our Advisory Board.”
Meet Stefania Yanachkov
Stefania Yanachkov (SFS’06) is senior manager of federal policy and government affairs at Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving technology company. As lead strategist and national transportation policy advisor, she shapes bipartisan federal frameworks for autonomous vehicles and leads Waymo’s engagement on Capitol Hill and coalition initiatives across autonomous vehicle policy, artificial intelligence, data privacy and accessibility.
Yanachkov previously served on the executive leadership team as vice president of external affairs at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Earlier in her career, she directed initiatives for the U.S. Department of Commerce and managed U.S. Department of State counter-human trafficking grants in Haiti and Afghanistan.
She serves on the board of Partners for Automated Vehicle Education and previously served on the board of the Congressional Management Foundation. She also holds advisory roles with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute and Global WIN.
Yanachkov earned a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and a J.D. from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Bulgarian, and proficient in French and Portuguese.