In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to empower and celebrate women in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence (AI). To shed light on the remarkable contributions of women academics and professionals in the AI industry, TechCrunch has embarked on a series of interviews to give these women their well-deserved recognition. These interviews aim to highlight the key work that often goes unrecognized in the fast-paced AI revolution.
One of the women leading the charge in the field of AI is Tara Chklovski, the CEO and founder of Technovation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching young girls about technology and entrepreneurship. For the past 17 years, Chklovski has been instrumental in finding ways to help young women use technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. Her journey into the world of AI began in 2016 when she attended the AAAI Conference in San Francisco, where she had the opportunity to interview AI researchers using the technology to tackle a range of interesting problems.
Inspired by the power and potential of AI, Chklovski decided to delve deeper into the field and learn as much as she could about it. In 2017, Technovation conducted a national survey of parents to understand their thoughts and concerns about AI. Surprisingly, African American mothers showed a keen interest in bringing AI literacy to their children, more so than any other demographic. This discovery led to the launch of the AI Family Challenge, the first global AI education program supported by Google and Nvidia.
Since then, Technovation has continued to evolve and iterate its AI education program, becoming the only global, project-based AI education program with a research-based curriculum translated into 12 languages. Chklovski’s proudest achievement in the field of AI is the fact that Technovation is the only organization with a peer-reviewed research article on the impact of its project-based AI curriculum. Through this curriculum, Technovation has been able to bring AI education to tens of thousands of girls around the world, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to create innovative AI solutions.
However, navigating the male-dominated tech industry, and by extension, the male-dominated AI industry, has not been without its challenges for Chklovski. While she acknowledges that there are many allies and supporters, the power and influence often lie with male CEOs who may not fully empathize with the barriers women face in the industry. Chklovski believes that society is becoming more educated about gender equality, empathy, and mental health, but more bold investments and champions are needed to make further progress. It is crucial for women seeking to enter the AI field to start today, taking advantage of the plethora of free online courses and resources available. Chklovski also recommends finding a problem that sparks one’s interest and using it as a starting point for learning and building AI-based solutions.
As AI continues to evolve, several pressing issues must be addressed. The most significant one being the way underserved groups are often viewed as voiceless and passive consumers, waiting to be exploited. Technovation has proven that teenage girls, in particular, are early adopters of technology and have brilliant ideas to contribute. To build truly innovative solutions, it is essential to view these groups as powerful collaborators rather than mere recipients of technology. The participation of diverse voices and perspectives is crucial in creating inclusive and equitable AI applications that address the complex problems faced by humanity.
AI users should also be aware of the fast-paced nature of these technologies and take an active interest in understanding how AI models work. Curiosity and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms will enable users to make informed decisions and use AI technology responsibly. Responsible AI development can be achieved by involving diverse groups in the design and engineering process and making them co-designers and builders. By incorporating different perspectives and experiences, AI technologies can be more robust and innovative.
Investors can play a crucial role in promoting responsible AI by pushing for collaborations with global nonprofits that have access to diverse talent pools. This would ensure that engineers and developers engage with a broad set of users and incorporate their perspectives into AI solutions. By investing in a diverse range of voices and experiences, investors can help create AI technologies that are more inclusive, ethically sound, and beneficial for society as a whole.
In conclusion, Tara Chklovski’s work with Technovation showcases the power of AI in empowering young girls and solving real-world problems. Her insights shed light on the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated tech industry and the steps needed to create a more inclusive and responsible AI revolution. It is essential to celebrate and recognize the contributions of women in AI, as their unique perspectives and experiences are crucial in shaping the future of this rapidly evolving field.
Source link
