top of page

🎊 AI Spotlight: Cynthia Respert 🎊

  • Writer: Jenny Kay Pollock
    Jenny Kay Pollock
  • May 18
  • 3 min read

We’re excited to present Cynthia Respert, CEO / Founder at AI BuildHER Academy  as this week’s AI Spotlight. 

Smiling woman with curly hair on teal background. Text: AI Spotlight, Cynthia Respert, CEO/Founder at AI BuildHER Academy. Women X AI logo.

Let’s dive into our interview with Cynthia and see how she is using AI.


1. Share your AI origin story

I thrive at the intersection of creativity and efficiency!My AI journey began with an affinity for systems and optimization, rooted in my background in Operations and Logistics. I routinely built tools to solve problems and streamline processes—first for myself, then for teams, nonprofits, corporations, and small businesses—always searching for a more efficient way to reach a goal. The emergence of open access to AI was a pivotal moment, revealing the potential to amplify these efforts exponentially—to achieve 10x, even 100x the results. AI offered an incredible opportunity to elevate the principles of efficiency and optimization to an entirely new level. Sprinkle in a few decades of mentoring youth, and you get a glimpse into the unconventional, creative ways I love bringing solutions to life. AI also became an accelerant for another passion: women in tech. On the journey of impacting over 2,000 SMBs globally—turning friction into streamlined processes and increased revenue—I had a front-row seat to the disparity in representation. This led to the founding of the AI BuildHER Academy: a mission to simplify AI for women and empower them to leverage it confidently and disrupt their industries. My work is deeply rooted in access, equity, and ownership. I’m excited to help shape a future where more women build what’s next.


2. What three AI tools have been most game changing for you? 

Here are some key ones (of a longer list)  that I keep finding new use cases for! ChatGPT (My first love❤️):  coach, streamline workflows, assistants, now images!Perplexity: Research, statistics, sourcesNotebookLM: mind-blowing aggregation of information that I can LISTEN toLovable (vibe coding in general): clears the path for BuildHERs to BUILD and bring visions to life


3. If you were just starting your AI journey today where would you start? 

If I were just starting my AI journey today, I’d begin with curiosity over complexity.Too often, we overthink the tools before we understand the why. So I’d start by identifying one real-life pain point or repetitive task in my work or life—and then explore how AI could help solve it. That’s how you build confidence and momentum. Next, I’d pick one tool, one time block, and one goal and repeat. I call it running “AI L.A.P.S.”—Learn And Produce Something. Instead of trying to master everything, I’d focus on one use case a week and build muscle memory over time. And finally, I’d surround myself with a community of doers, not just learners—people applying AI in practical ways. Learning in isolation can slow you down. Learning in community creates momentum. Start small. Stay curious. Solve real problems.


4. Share the spotlight: Name 3+ women leading in AI we should all follow. 


5. As a woman in AI, what do you want our allies to know? 

To our allies—first, thank you.I’d like to offer a new perspective on the term SaaS: Support as a Service. When it comes to empowering women in AI that looks like Support, Access, Amplification, and Sponsorship. The future is being built in real time. If women aren’t included at the innovation table, we risk designing systems that reinforce inequity and overlook entire communities. In AI and tech, diverse voices fuel innovation, enhance problem-solving, reduce bias, expand representation, and improve business outcomes. When women build and contribute, the solutions are more inclusive, more human, and more impactful. So to our allies—keep (or begin) showing up. Hire women. Fund women. Promote women. Collaborate with women. Let’s progress beyond the social “like”—make space, pass the mic, and invest in what we’re building. Bonus Opportunity AI Execution Club Since this submission Cynthia kicked off the AI Execution Club - weekly coworking sessions to finally do something with items we’ve saved for ‘later’. It’s a Global AI Productivity Playground for Doers where we make space for ‘later’.  Everyone is invited❣️ 


Want to be the next in AI Spotlight? It’s a great opportunity to share your voice with our community!


Fill out the WxAI AI Spotlight Nomination Form for your chance to step into the AI Spotlight and to share your voice with the Women And AI community. 




Comments

bottom of page