Given the pervasiveness of biased Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and risk to human lives from flawed AI systems, there is an urgent need for open discussion and concrete action to address the perils of unchecked AI.
We can’t talk about ethics in AI without inclusion of women and other marginalized groups that are traditionally underrepresented in AI/tech. The Women in AI Ethics™ (WAIE) is a global initiative with a mission to increase recognition, representation, and empowerment of women in AI Ethics. This initiative started with the first 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™ list in 2018, which is now published annually to recognize rising stars as well as pioneers in this space. To increase representation of women at AI/tech conferences and companies, we have also launched an open online directory of Women in AI Ethics™ to make it easier for conference organizers and recruiters to recruit talented women working hard to make AI ethical, inclusive, and accessible for all.
The Women in AI Ethics™ (WAIE) is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Good Fund, a California nonprofit corporation and registered 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to increase recognition, representation, and empowerment of brilliant women in this space who are working hard to save humanity from the dark side of AI.. It is funded by Lighthouse3, donations, and ticket sales. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and used to fund mission-aligned activities, which includes but is not limited to providing free AI Ethics career resources, hosting community events, and funding other initiatives to support women in this space.
This initiative launched in 2018 with the publication of the first 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics™ list created by Mia Shah-Dand, CEO and Founder of Lighthouse3 an emerging technology research and advisory firm based in Oakland, California to recognize talented women in this space and is now a global online directory. The list is published annually to highlight rising stars as well as aspiring women from non-technical fields as part of our continuing effort to make AI more diverse and accessible for everyone. You can read more about our intersectional approach to diversity here.
The exponential growth of AI and potential for significant harm necessitates a comprehensive and inclusive approach. After an extensive evaluation of the AI ecosystem and implications of AI, we have developed a holistic framework for AI + Ethics with 6 key focus areas that consider all ethical implications of AI beyond just technology. It is intentionally designed to expand critical discussions on the ethics of AI to include diverse perspectives from non-technical disciplines.