About
My name is Sona Muzikarova
I am a policy strategist specializing in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), shaping discourse at the nexus of economic competitiveness, regional security, and emerging tech innovation. I analyze EU affairs to guide organizations through geopolitical shifts and the evolving policy landscape.

My Story.
I am a policy strategist with deep knowledge of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and 15+ years of varied experience in broader EU affairs where I have shaped discourse at the intersection of economics, security, and technology.
​
At the European Central Bank, I applied quantitative research methods (regression analysis, principal component analysis, and time series forecasting) to develop novel economic indicators, demonstrating empirically superior predictive power for euro area industrial activity. Our joint research effort on real economic convergence in the euro area was well-received and widely cited.
​
My leadership of diplomatic efforts during my country's 2019 OECD Presidency has given me unique insights into the complex interplay between policy and markets. The Presidency's yielding and adopting the first set of global AI standards to foster innovative and responsible use of AI was a notable diplomatic success for Slovakia and the Team.
​
Having traded the comfort of institutions for entrepreneurial waters, I built a consultancy focused on navigating the complex policy landscape of Central and Eastern Europe. Along the way, I established myself as a trusted voice in the global media. I also joined the Atlantic Council - consistently ranked among the top 10 think tanks globally - as a Nonresident Senior Fellow to shape the transatlantic policy discourse as a part of its influential network of policymakers, business leaders, and experts across this space.
As a global nomad, I believe in agility, taking calculated risks, and having a growth mindset, as evidenced by my return to school. At Harvard Kennedy School and MIT Sloan School of Management, I hope to better understand the new emerging policy landscape, particularly where economics meets security and technology.
In Europe, AI R&D and diffusion meet complex regulatory frameworks. Having worked extensively in both, the U.S. and European contexts, I bring a nuanced understanding of these markets at a critical juncture. My expertise is particularly relevant as technology giants expand their European operations.
Education
2024-2025
Harvard University
​Master in Public Administration (MPA)
Harvard Kennedy School
STEM-designated track
John F. Kennedy Fellow, Edward S. Mason Fellow​
2025-2025
MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Graduate Cross-Registration
Sloan School of Management
The Law of AI, Big Data & Social Media (15.622)
2005-2009
Macalester College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics
Merit-based Kofi Annan International Scholarship
NCAA Volleyball Athlete & Hall of Famer (inducted in 2024)