Andrew Rasiej is a major figure in the NY Tech scene as founder of Personal Democracy Media and chair of NYTech meetup. He is an entrepreneur and technology strategist who has counseled political leaders, senior government officials, not for profit and foundation heads, and academics in the United States and abroad on issues related to civic engagement, technology, transparency, digital diplomacy and campaign strategy. Andrew got his start working at the intersection of technology and politics in 1999 offering early new media advice to leaders like Hillary and Bill Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and Congressional Minority leader Dick Gephardt. We will be covering a wide range of topics related to the tech startup ecosystem in New York including public initiatives such as 'we are made in NY', NY tech startups going national via events like SXSW, the new tech campus, internet access & privacy policy, Tech innovation policy & Open Government, and Tech & social innovation at the intersection of Food, Music, the Arts and other industries. Our host is the Center for Social Innovation at their soon to launch offices at the amazing Starrett-LeHigh building overlooking the Hudson River, so attendees will get the extra bonus of both a preview of the space as well as the next Personal Democracy Forum conference taking place in New York later in the year. This is a great opportunity to connect with other founders and get a view on some exciting things happening in the city!