American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) proudly congratulates Dr. Renata Brazil-David SJD/’2010, on her historic election as the new Director General of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO). Dr. Brazil-David's mandate will begin on July 18, 2025, following a decisive election held on October 9, 2024, during the 41st ITSO Assembly of Parties.

The election took place at AUWCL, with representatives from ITSO’s 149 member states overwhelmingly supporting her candidacy.
In her acceptance speech, Brazil-David highlighted the importance of her appointment as the first woman to serve as Director General in ITSO’s history. 

“This milestone is a reflection of the progress we are making together toward a more inclusive and equitable future, both within ITSO and the wider world of global telecommunications,” she said. “I hope my appointment serves as an inspiration to other women and young professionals striving to make their mark in industries that have traditionally been male dominated.” 

Brazil-David’s distinguished career in telecommunications, including her roles as ITSO’s Director of International and Regulatory Affairs and Deputy Director General, as well as her tenure as Director of Regulatory Policy at Inmarsat, has positioned her as a global leader in satellite communications. Her academic contributions as an adjunct professor at AUWCL and associate director of the Program on Brazil-US Comparative Law have further enriched the legal community, both at AUWCL and beyond.

Professor Padideh Ala'i, director of International and Comparative Legal Studies at AUWCL, recognized Dr. Renata David's significant contributions to the AUWCL community and her leadership in international telecommunications law. 

“We are proud to congratulate AUWCL alumna Dr. Renata David on her new role as Director General of the International Telecommunications and Satellite Organization (ITSO),” Ala'i said. “A 2010 graduate of our SJD program, Dr. David has remained closely connected to AUWCL, contributing as an adjunct professor and assistant director for the US-Brazil program. While at ITSO in her pervious role she created with AUWCL the Telecommunications Law & Policy program and provided student internships. We look forward to her continued success and future collaborations with ITSO.” 

Professor of Law & Dean Emeritus of AUWCL praised Brazil David for her unwavering commitment to strengthening ties between her professional work and the law school.

“Renata is a superb graduate of our school, and always thought about linking her work to WCL, including by organizing international conferences at WCL, for more than 20 years now, and opening opportunities for our students and graduates,” he said. “She also worked closely with us to develop a Telecommunications Law & Policy program. We cannot be prouder of her well-deserved recognition and achievement—80% of the States voted to elect her in ITSO!”

Brazil-David’s commitment to advancing ITSO’s mission of ensuring the continued availability of global satellite communications, coupled with her vision for greater connectivity and inclusivity, will undoubtedly guide the organization into a new era. As she emphasized in her speech, “Through partnerships, ITSO can do much more for the benefit of its member states. I am committed to leading ITSO with integrity, transparency, and a vision for a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable world.”

One of Brazil-David’s mentors at AUWCL, Professor Victoria Phillips, also praised her leadership and vision.

“I had the privilege of serving on the Advisory Board of the ITSO-AUWCL Program on International Communications Regulation and Policy when Renata was its Director of Legal Affairs and later Deputy Director General,” Phillips said. “Her leadership skills and passion for the organization were evident in these roles. She will be a visionary leader for ITSO as she assumes the role of Director General.” 

AUWCL celebrates this remarkable achievement and looks forward to Dr. Brazil-David’s continued success on the global stage.