Bridgit Mendler is a PhD student at the MIT Media Lab with a focus on technologies that support inclusive and collaborative governance and citizen engagement. Before pursuing her degree, Mendler was a platinum songwriter and recording artist, and leading television actress of multiple network series including Disney Channel’s award-winning Good Luck Charlie and NBC’s Undateable. Bridgit is a former artist ambassador for Save the Children where she advocated for early childhood education legislation. Interaction online with her fanbase inspired her interest in social platforms as a means for bringing more voices, experiences, and expertise to government decision-making.