With a passion for responsible tech and purposeful collaborations, Christine is focused on bringing people together to build sustainable communities

Christine Moran

What does it say on your business card?

Christine Moran. Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at VERO.

Where is home?

NY Metro Area.

When and why did you join VERO?

I worked previously with one of the co-founders, Scott Birnbaum, and he introduced me to Ayman in 2018. At the time, I was working in digital media at CBS, one of the major US media companies, so saw firsthand how social networks impacted media, consumer behavior, and society at large. So when Scott reached out, I was excited by the opportunity to be part of an innovative team actively working to challenge and reshape the landscape of social networking and make tech grounded in humane principles.

“We’re looking to work with others who are collaborative, focused on helping people connect with one another, creative, push boundaries, and prioritize impact not optics”

— Christine Moran

How does VERO seek to use partnerships to expand the VERO community?

Our goals are very ambitious. It’s more than just swimming upstream – we’re going up against the biggest and most entrenched companies in the world using addictive design to keep billions of users ‘hooked’. So we know we can’t do it alone – we need allies, community, and expertise. That’s where partners from all walks come in – from cross-promotional partners, community partners, technology partners, and financing partners. My responsibility is to look for the best partners across our business to help us grow and have more impact.

What does VERO look for in a partner?

We’re looking to work with others who are collaborative, focused on helping people connect with one another, creative, push boundaries, and prioritize impact, not optics.

“Technology should be built to help grow our worldview, not narrow it.”

— Christine Moran

You are passionate about responsible tech - can you explain why you think this is important?

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of breaking down barriers and helping people come together. When I was much younger, I had wanted to pursue foreign service for this reason (I studied international politics in university and received my Masters degree in European politics). I also happen to be multi-racial and a US immigrant. To me, the power of the internet and consumer technology is in helping to make that better and help bring people together. That promise has not been fulfilled but instead hijacked. I truly believe people are better when brought together so we can see our commonalities but also explore and celebrate our different viewpoints and cultures. Technology should be built to help grow our worldview, not narrow it.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned working on VERO?

This will sound like complete mush, but truly it’s how wonderful people can be and how amazing it is to learn from others. I’ve been so fascinated by the music, films, TV shows, books, and perspectives those I’ve met on VERO have shared. I’ve learned and been inspired by so many people I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting in person!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Be kind to yourself.

Favorite VERO feature?

Movie / TV posts by far (and the “Global Opinions” feature connected to them that allows me to see what others on VERO have said about those same movies and TV shows). It’s what I love to talk with others about most.

Any favorite partnership moments so far?

So many amazing moments, but the Pursuit of Portraits ranks highest for me. We partnered with this global collective of photographers on a contest, and the winners were selected to be part of an exhibit called “Beyond Borders” at the Okay Player space in Williamsburg. It was pure magic in that it brought an amazing group of photographers together and gave them the opportunity to connect in real life and so many of them had never been exhibited before. People brought their families and friends to see their work. The gratitude in being acknowledged by their peers and loved ones was so special and the energy and celebration of talent and the community was really moving. It was a beautiful and powerful display of community and gathering through creative expression. The theme was also beautiful in how everyone interpreted “borders” differently, from personal obstacles to cultural and societal differences.

What does responsible tech mean to you?

It’s tech that brings out the best in people by helping inform and connect us, rather than runs on our basest desires.

Can you tell us a bit more about VERO’s partnership with Mozilla?

We want to work with others and we see ourselves as part of an ecosystem, rather than going solo without consideration for others. Mozilla is a no-brainer partner given their mission to create a healthy internet and they’ve consistently worked towards that from the tech solutions they build to their non-profit work in funding necessary research, consumer education, and building a community of technologists and activists looking to work together on this mission.

What other companies do you admire in the responsible tech space?

I really admire apps like Calm and Bumble that are using technology to bring out the best in people by focusing on improving mindfulness and gender equality. Also, DuckDuckGo and ProtonMail for building privacy-first products. And of course, Apple with their strong privacy stance.

What’s your dream partnership?

Beyoncé. Given her values and work in championing inclusivity, women’s rights, and social impact through her creative pursuits and her business savvy.