TheBridge profile: Rebeca Lamadrid
Name: Rebeca Lamadrid
Current city: Washington, DC
Current job: Senior Vice President, Scholars Program, NobleReach Foundation
Past job: Executive Director of the Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF) program
Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? At NobleReach Foundation we focus on turning passion into action by connecting exceptional technical, scientific, and entrepreneurial talent with opportunities to make a real impact in government and beyond. We offer pathways like internships, fellowships, and Embedded Entrepreneurs in government-funded startups, providing critical training and mentorship along the way. Our goal is to nurture talent at every stage and channel it into lasting contributions to our nation.
Q. Job advice in three words? Collaboration, Adaptability, Purpose.
Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Through our NobleReach Scholars program, innovators spend one to two years within government agencies, working on challenges of great importance to the nation. They gain hands-on experience and connect with senior policy leaders through multidisciplinary programming in Washington, DC. This combination of practical work and mentorship provides a deep understanding of the policy making process and equips them with skills and connections needed to drive meaningful change in tech, science, and entrepreneurship, both within and beyond the public sector.
Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? During my time leading the Presidential Innovation Fellow program - and now at NobleReach - I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that tech talent can bring to the public sector. Policymakers can learn from innovators the value of agility, cross-sector collaboration, and the integration of diverse perspectives to address complex challenges. Innovators bring a mindset of rapid iteration and learning from failure, which can lead to more effective solutions in areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Programs like the NobleReach Scholars Program are crucial for bridging the gap between innovation and public service, placing early-career tech professionals in roles where they can make a tangible impact. This not only enhances government capabilities but also inspires a new generation of technologists to engage in public service, creating a more responsive and innovative public sector.
Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable? Empathy has been a skill I've relied on throughout my career, starting from my days as a designer. It’s helped me connect with people, understand different perspectives, and work better with others. Whether in industry, nonprofit work, or public service, being able to see things from someone else’s point of view has always been key to finding solutions that really work.
Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? Tatte in Bethesda—great outdoor seating, plus I can sneak in my morning steps and kick off the day with some exercise.
Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? The Ezra Klein Show
Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Or, why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals? I'm part of TheBridge community because it's where tech, policy, and public service naturally come together, which aligns with the work I’ve been involved in. I’ve seen how impactful it can be when people from different fields collaborate on real-world problems. TheBridge offers a space for those kinds of connections, helping us learn from each other and work toward solutions that really make a difference. Being part of this community feels important because it’s about more than just networking—it's about creating a more effective and responsive public sector.
Q. Everyday is probably different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job? Adaptability and resilience, we are in the building phase!
Q. Most underrated virtue in an employee? Humility, it allows you to stay open to learning, admit when you don’t have all the answers and genuinely collaborate.
Q. Best advice you’ve received? To trust my internal compass—it’s rarely wrong.
Q. Last time you were completely unplugged? Last June at the beach in Mexico—it was absolutely brilliant!
Q. How often do you work from home? 2 days every week
Q. How do you unwind after work? Bedtime routine—it’s a race against time with my two boys growing so fast and nothing beats that little slice of peace.