Panthers in charge of tech public policy for Meta give career advice

During the recent Meta Conversations 2025 conference on Miami Beach, two of the tech giant's executives with ties to FIU visited campus. 

Proud Panthers Alexandra Uriarte ’11, Meta public policy manager, and Pedro Pavón ’04, Meta global policy director of data and AI monetization, headlined a wide-ranging lunch-and-learn presentation at the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs. They shared their path from choosing FIU to advancing to their current roles. Joined by another colleague from the company, they also described how Meta works to bridge the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and the public good. 

Students representing a diversity of majors listened to career advice that focused on taking risks and choosing unique opportunities. The emphasis was not to follow the traditional career path when looking for jobs, but to seek a variety of work experiences. The executives encouraged young people to look at industries and roles that might not strictly fall within one's major.

The Meta team also discussed regulatory and political conditions needed to support responsible innovation and ensure broad access to technology. The trio talked about the future of AI, data privacy, tech policy and regulation.

Students appreciated the chance to hear from the executives and were excited to apply their advice and observations to their own career aspirations.

Sofia Nava Marron, an Honors College senior studying international business, said, “Today, I learned to take risks and identify opportunities. Especially in the technology and AI industry. Too many students are willing to close the door on considering tech as a career path because they don’t understand it.

“From an international business major’s perspective, I realized that policy and business strategy go together. For example, policy considerations must be part of business marketing decisions, something I had never thought about. I learned that taking risks and going forward on your own and not following everyone else’s path works, as Pavón described in his own career path. I’ll be graduating soon, so I’m thinking about it now,” Nava Marron said.

Ashley Llanos, a junior criminal justice major with a minor in psychology, found the speakers' suggestions worked for her.

“Everything they spoke about today applies to criminal justice,” she said. “Criminal justice is a very diverse field with a variety of employment opportunities. For example, I’m considering joining the FBI, and Pavón pointed out he chose to pursue public service and other careers before landing at Meta. I know that my career path may not be linear.

“It felt great to engage with the tech leaders, since we don’t get to see the industry from the inside and instead, we only see the finished product after it’s release. For example, Pavón discussed policymaking decisions involved with the Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses. We heard about some features, such as the ring light that appears when taking a picture with the glasses, that were directly affected by Meta’s privacy policies. Hearing from an alum provides students with a sense of direction and that I am pursuing the right career for me,” Llanos added.

The Meta team encouraged students to connect with them via LinkedIn to continue the conversation and learn about internships and other opportunities. Following the presentation, a line of students - mostly members of FIU's two technology clubs, many dressed in professional attire - waited their turn to pass along resumes and pitch themsleves as potential hires.

The event was presented in partnership with Meta and in collaboration with the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs, College of Business and Honors College. The Meta team also toured the Jack D. Gordon Institute to meet with students working on applied research in policy and technology projects.

“Coming back to FIU always feels like coming home,” Uriarte said. “It's a place that always reflected my values. Watching FIU’s tremendous growth is proof that graduating from the Green School was one of the best choices I've ever made. And I’m constantly moved by how FIU’s mission to elevate students from all walks of life continues to find pathways for graduates to gain social and financial mobility. This impact is what inspires and motivates me to give back to FIU."