Read about Rashmi Subramanian

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

My career has always been driven by a passion for uncovering the truth through technology to promote justice and accountability. From unraveling digital footprints in corporate fraud investigations to addressing some of the world's most pressing issues: war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of international law, I’ve always been motivated by the challenge of finding that crucial piece of evidence, invisible to most, that could change the trajectory of a case.

I began my journey at global Big Four firms, working across the UK, Europe and the Middle East, on corporate disputes, financial crimes, and regulatory investigations.

At the United Nations, my work shifted to a global stage, where I now work on investigations of war crimes that devastate entire communities through systematic torture, sexual violence, and attacks on civilians. My work focuses on collecting and analyzing vast amounts of digital evidence of these atrocities with the highest level of accuracy and integrity to support national, regional, and international courts in prosecuting those responsible.

Every piece of evidence we handle is a step closer to justice for victims who have long been denied it. Knowing that my work helps break cycles of impunity and hold perpetrators accountable on a global scale is what drives me every day. For me, leveraging technology in the service of justice is not just a professional challenge, it's a deeply personal mission to make a meaningful impact in the world. 

What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?

One of my most impactful projects at the UN involved leveraging AI-driven social media analysis and geospatial intelligence to investigate war crimes in conflict zones. While this data is a goldmine of information, its sheer volume and unstructured nature present a significant challenge for investigators. Our mission was to harness this data, filter out the noise, identify patterns of violence and authenticate actionable evidence of war crimes, such as genocide, sexual violence, crimes against children, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, forced displacement, and targeted mass killings. It was a powerful example of how technology can transform raw data into actionable insights and can be leveraged to promote justice and make a real difference in the lives of victims of these heinous crimes. 

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

In technology, curiosity is what sets apart the good from the great. If you find yourself wondering how can data tell a story, or how technology can solve real-world problems, you are already thinking like an innovator. With technology advancing every moment, staying informed about the latest trends, experimenting with new tools, and maintaining a curious mindset will help you uncover new possibilities and stay ahead in the field.

I transitioned from corporate forensic investigation roles to international human rights work, and I can say that my journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. While navigating a traditionally male-dominated space like technology, I have often found myself as the only woman in the room. But each challenge has strengthened my resilience and adaptability. Know that you belong and don't shy away from exploring and questioning, it’s what drives innovation.

Surround yourself with mentors, allies, and peers who uplift you. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of both receiving and providing mentorship to many young women and children from underrepresented communities, and I’ve seen firsthand how guidance and support can bring out incredible potential. 

In the work I do now at the United Nations, I’ve witnessed how technology can change the course of history and make a profound impact on the world. It’s incredibly fulfilling. So, my message to young women in tech is: Don’t be afraid to dream big. The voice and perspective you bring to the table are unique, embrace them as your strengths.