Taskeen Ali serves as the Head of Futures at His Majesty's (HM) Revenue and Customs, where she leads initiatives related to tax bases in emerging jurisdictions, including areas such as Space, the Arctic, Oceans, and the Metaverse. Previously, she held the position of Head of Horizon Scanning at the UK Space Agency. In this role, she spearheaded futures research, formulated space policy and strategy and engaged in international and cross-governmental endeavors linked to commercial space and exploration. Ms. Ali also collaborated with Oxford University's International Relations Department to establish the Space Research Program, promoting interdisciplinary research and cooperation on space policy development. During her tenure at HM Treasury, Ms. Ali led the Global Markets Policy Branch and the Strategy and Performance Branch within the Chancellor's departments. Her educational background includes Master's Degrees from Durham University and the London School of Economics, and she is an alumna of Oxford University.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Space Calling!

The project goal was to promote space as a place for girls and women and inspire those from underrepresented backgrounds to join the field of space. Taskeen delivered three talks at two universities and one school in London, focusing on increasing gender diversity within the space community and showcasing women involved in the space field she met while on her IVLP exchange. 1,100 students were involved in Taskeen’s workshops at the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, and the Fortismere School. Additionally, over 37,000 students were reached indirectly through internal exposure campaigns. After attending the events, participants stated they feel more comfortable getting involved in the space community, and some are even starting space clubs in their schools after attending these talks.

“I now am clearer on how to proceed with my career, I am confident I can do something in space I did not think possible.”- Lecture attendee

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Taskeen was a participant in the IVLP Project Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360, in partnership with WorldChicago, Global Ties Alabama, and International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles.

Taskeen's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "This project has been borne out of a culmination of thoughts, networks, and knowledge gained as a result of the generous IVLP award last year. This also bears strong links with the IVLP program 'Hidden No More.' As a female and ethnic minority, I realize that my journey through the space sector has not always been an easy one and how I have overcome challenges and spearheaded [my career] as a thought leader in the field...this project will also build on the 'hidden no more' project objectives to further assist...as an IVLP alumnus and also the cause of space sustainability for future generations."

U.S. Communities Visited

Huntsville, AL; Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL

"There is a lot we can do if [the] whole of humanity works together." - Taskeen Ali

Country: United Kingdom

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