Joan Kinyua is a Kenyan digital rights activist and the founding President of the Data Labelers Association of Kenya (DLA). A former data labeler with experience across the full spectrum of annotation work, she has become a leading voice in advocating for ethical AI and labor justice. Her work focuses on improving working conditions for AI data workers, emphasizing fair pay, mental health protections, and transparency. Grounded in lived experience, Joan’s advocacy bridges grassroots organizing and global policy conversations on the future of work in the AI economy.