Written by Jedidah Karanja, Sr. Product Marketing Manager
Image from Women and AI Breaking Barriers and Empowering Change in AI Panel, by Jedidah Karanja
Start Fresh
"Always start at the beginning."—Dr. Sarah Benson-Konforty
That's where the story began: with a poignant message from one of the panelists at an AI Panel event I attended on June 25, 2024 hosted by Women And AI at Amplitude Analytics in San Francisco.
It wasn't just a call to action; it was an invitation to redefine how women and other marginalized groups participate in the revolutionary field of AI. Our focus must shift from past exclusions to how we can shape this new technology, ensuring it incorporates ALL perspectives.
The panel featured a phenomenal lineup of women leaders in AI, including:
Janet George, Chief AI Digital Officer, Intel
Kim Carson, CEO and Founder of Parallax Futures
Chetna Mahajan, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Amplitude
Dr. Sarah Benson-Konforty, General Partner at 1010VC and Board member of The Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Masterfully moderated by Pallavi Sharma 💖, the discussion covered various topics, from diversity and inclusivity in AI to the impact of women pioneers, empowering the next generation of women leaders, and venture funding for women innovators.
I walked away feeling empowered to increase my participation in AI and bring other women and girls along with me. We must sit at the table to ensure that one of humanity's most disruptive technologies is safe, inclusive, transparent, free of bias, socially conscious, and people-driven.
My 7 Key Takeaways
Transparency is critical to mitigating hallucinations. AI systems must be open and explainable to build trust and prevent misinterpreting outputs.
AI can beat humans computationally but not in intelligence. Humans possess unique abilities to distinguish between good and evil, make decisions in noisy environments, and draw from life experiences—capabilities that machines currently lack.
Eliminating bias requires training AI on diverse perspectives. This challenge highlights the importance of involving diverse teams in AI development and data collection.
AI needs to be people rather than product-driven. The focus should be on how AI can serve and enhance human capabilities, not just on technological advancement.
Growing the number of women in positions of power in VC companies can address funding gaps. Increasing diversity in decision-making roles can lead to more equitable funding distribution for women entrepreneurs and innovators.
Fellowships offer a pathway into the VC space. Programs by VC firms and non-profits like Material Change provide opportunities for women to gain experience and network in the venture capital world.
Women can increase their participation in AI through multiple avenues. Building engagement includes hiring more women, investing in women-led ventures, stepping out of comfort zones, actively using and participating in AI development, amplifying women's voices, and speaking up.
Nothing Bad Happens When More Women Are In AI
The event, organized by Reut Lazo, Jenny Kay Pollock, and Lana A. Dubinskiy, founders of Women and AI, exemplified the power of amplifying women's voices in AI. Their efforts prove that increasing women's participation in this revolutionary field is possible and essential for its balanced growth and development.
Resources for Venture Funding
Numerous opportunities exist for those interested in the VC space:
Material Change Institute offers a fellowship to budding venture capitalists. Other non-profits and venture firms that provide similar fellowship opportunities include:
Join the Movement
The insights from this panel are not just takeaways; they are calls to action. It's time for us to embrace our roles in shaping the future of AI. Let's ensure this transformative technology reflects our world's diversity and addresses everyone's needs and perspectives. Get involved, support women in AI, and make your voice heard. Together, we can break barriers and empower change.
Are you ready to be part of this transformative journey?
Here's how you can make a difference:
Educate yourself: Stay informed about AI developments and their implications.
Mentor and support: If you're in the field, mentor aspiring women in AI. If you're aspiring, seek out mentorship opportunities.
Advocate for diversity: Push for inclusive hiring practices and diverse AI teams in your workplace.
Use your voice: Share your experiences and insights about AI on social media or local tech meetups.
Amplify women's voices in your networks and platforms.
Invest in the future: Support women-led AI startups or contribute to organizations promoting diversity in tech.
Remember, every action counts. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in AI, your perspective is valuable. Join us in shaping an AI future that genuinely represents and serves all of humanity. Let's go!
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