Women Leading the Smart World: Equity, Innovation, and the Power of Diverse Voices

Join us in exploring how inclusive leadership, creativity, and diverse perspectives are essential to harnessing AI and emerging technologies for a smarter, more equitable, and sustainable world

We are at a time where significant advances in technology can be used to drive innovative solutions for complex global issues. On the journey to a smarter and sustainable future for everyone, the world has become more connected and advanced yet threatened by insecurity across multiple areas of society. The impacts of climate change, threats to human health, risks to food security, and increasing social inequities across populations are drivers for innovation. More technology-based solutions are being developed to address many of these issues, but how we develop and use them will determine our success. Development of technology is increasingly rapid, but magnitude of these issues leaves us increasingly vulnerable at a similar rate.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries and re-shaping society. As the capacity for AI continues to expand, it is critical to recognize the role of diversity in driving innovation. Many organizations are signaling the need for inclusion in developing effective and ethical AI-based solutions. The UNESCO Fostering Women’s Leadership Report notes that diversity in AI-leadership is an economic and strategic advantage. Inclusive leaders foster teams that demonstrate more creative problem-solving through multiple perspectives, giving those organizations a competitive advantage.

Throughout my career as a microbiologist, academic and administrator I have contributed and responded to the development of technology-based solutions in my research, teaching, and post-secondary leadership through creativity and inclusivity. In this talk I will highlight the importance of addressing gaps in the development of technology, in particular AI by building diverse teams, leading in an inclusive environment, fostering creativity, and developing opportunities for future scientists and leaders.