Merry Walker is a distinguished U.S. diplomat, engineer, and entrepreneur who has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of global innovation, sustainability, and international relations. A trilingual technology strategist with a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS//SCI) clearance, Merry has navigated complex geopolitical landscapes, driven high-stakes negotiations, and delivered pioneering solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and semiconductors. Her career is defined by an unwavering commitment to transformation—of systems, communities, and the planet itself.
Currently serving as Senior Policy Advisor for International Science and Technology at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Merry leads international policy on emerging technologies, aligning scientific innovation with national security, diplomacy, and economic resilience. She brings a uniquely cross-sectoral lens to this role, informed by her prior service as Senior Advisor to the State Department’s Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology. There, her current position sits in the Office of the President where she has spearheaded global partnerships and advised top U.S. leaders, on the intersection of foreign policy and frontier technologies.
Merry’s diplomatic assignments have spanned the globe, from leading science and space diplomacy in Paris to facilitating economic strategy in Djibouti and managing crisis operations during the Afghanistan evacuation in Abu Dhabi. In Paris, she negotiated a landmark quantum cryptography algorithm with the French government to safeguard U.S. digital infrastructure and led the first U.S.-France Comprehensive Space Dialogue. As Deputy Counselor for Environment, Science, Technology, and Health, she championed science diplomacy and chaired the embassy’s DEIA council, overhauling harassment policy and promoting inclusive engagement.
Beyond diplomacy, Merry has held leadership roles across engineering, business strategy, and nonprofit sectors. Her early work as a battery engineer at General Motors contributed to the development of the Chevy Volt, where she co-authored a patent on lithium-ion battery rejuvenation. She also served as a senior energy consultant drafting legislation for the Department of Energy, and as founder of Hatch International, a nonprofit that launched sustainability projects across three countries.
In 2025, Merry launched Dots Incorporated, a mission-driven company that bridges technology and community empowerment. As CEO, she leverages emerging trends to create sustainable, scalable, and human-centered solutions. From licensing IP to building innovation hubs, she is passionate about connecting public and private sectors to accelerate impact. Her ventures are anchored by her belief in equity, integrity, and building systems that work better—for people and the planet.
A TEDx speaker, marathoner, and yoga instructor, Merry leads with purpose and stamina. She has delivered over 40 keynote speeches and panels across major global forums including the OECD, NATO, UNESCO, and World Economic Forum, speaking on AI governance, innovation accessibility, and national security. Her public engagement is matched by her mentorship of young women in STEM and diplomacy, supporting the next generation of leaders through organizations like Girls Gearing Up and Girls on the Run.
Educated at the University of Michigan with a master’s in Energy Engineering and a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Merry combines technical depth with strategic insight. Her academic background, paired with hands-on leadership in government, technology, and international development, has enabled her to bridge silos and drive forward-thinking, systems-level change. Her work has won her numerous honors and prestigious awards at the State Department.
Merry is fluent in French and proficient in Mandarin, giving her an uncommon global fluency that enhances her effectiveness as a negotiator and cross-cultural connector. She has built coalitions across continents, industries, and ideologies, all while keeping family, sustainability, and service at the heart of her work.
Above all, Merry Walker is a woman of action and vision. Whether she’s transforming national policy, engineering next-gen energy systems, or founding community-driven ventures, she approaches every challenge with a rare combination of intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and bold creativity. Her career reflects a deep sense of purpose—to innovate, empower, and leave the world better than she found it.
Character:
Merry Walker is a purpose-driven leader who exemplifies integrity, resilience, and compassion in every aspect of her work. Her deep commitment to service, equity, and sustainability shines through her professional choices and personal values.
Knowledge:
Merry possesses a rare blend of technical expertise, policy insight, and global experience across government, science, and technology. Her knowledge of emerging technologies and international systems allows her to anticipate challenges and craft innovative, practical solutions.
Strategic:
She is a visionary thinker who excels at connecting the dots across sectors, aligning short-term execution with long-term impact. Her ability to drive forward-looking initiatives has made her a trusted advisor on complex geopolitical and technology issues.
Communication:
Merry is a dynamic communicator who brings clarity, confidence, and empathy to every conversation, from boardrooms to global summits. Fluent in multiple languages and cultures, she inspires trust, drives collaboration, and influences outcomes through powerful storytelling and negotiation.
