🎊 AI Spotlight: Cynthia Widjaja 🎊

We’re excited to present Cynthia Widjaja as this week’s AI Spotlight. 

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

1. Share your AI origin story

My journey into AI began with ChatGPT, which completely changed how I approached learning. Instead of sifting through endless Google searches, I could get instant, well-structured responses that accelerated my understanding.

Even coding became more approachable—I could experiment freely, which led to what I call "vibe coding".

However, I quickly realized that AI-assisted coding couldn't replace the deep logic and intuition of a seasoned programmer.A pivotal moment came during my GPT applications class, where I built my first chatbot using OpenAI, Pinecone for vector storage, and Gradio for the user interface.

Seeing it come to life was mind-blowing—it was my first hands-on experience with practical AI development, and it solidified my passion for building intelligent systems.

From there, I explored more advanced AI architectures, leading me to Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). Instead of a single AI assistant, I designed AI "personas" with distinct roles and let them collaborate to generate results. One of my favorite experiments was creating a MAS in Slack that automatically generated a daily shopping list and recipe suggestions based on my preferences.This journey—from simple AI interactions to building full-fledged intelligent agents—has been an exciting evolution, and I can't wait to see where AI takes me next.

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

The first AI tool that truly transformed my perspective was ChatGPT. It was my initial exposure to AI in 2022, and I was amazed by how effortlessly it could answer my queries, brainstorm ideas, and enhance my productivity. It opened my eyes to the power of AI-driven assistance in both personal and professional settings.

Next, Perplexity.ai has been a game-changer for research. It functions like an advanced Google search, providing well-structured, sourced responses that make information retrieval more efficient. Instead of sifting through multiple search results, I get direct, high-quality insights that streamline my learning process.

Lastly, NotebookLM by Google is an incredible tool, especially when working with dense materials. If you have a whole book to read but want to convert it into an engaging two-person podcast-style discussion, this is the go-to AI. It allows you to interact with the content, ask deep-dive questions, and extract key insights in a way that feels natural and dynamic.Each of these tools has enhanced how I learn, work, and engage with information, making AI an indispensable part of my workflow.

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

If I hadn’t encountered ChatGPT in 2022, my AI journey would likely have started with social media. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are making AI more accessible than ever.

LinkedIn’s "Rewrite with AI" feature helps refine posts, making content creation easier and more professional. Meanwhile, Instagram’s "Ask Meta AI" and AI-powered search bring a new level of interactivity to social engagement. These two powerhouses are seamlessly integrating AI into everyday tasks, lowering the barrier for new users. I believe that for anyone starting their AI journey today, exploring these built-in tools would be an excellent entry point—they provide immediate, practical value while introducing the broader capabilities of AI.

4. Share the spotlight name a women leading in AI we should all follow. 

Dr. Fei-Fei Li – A trailblazer in AI, Dr. Fei-Fei Li’s work has shaped the way we understand computer vision and human-centered AI.Her book, The World I See, offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of technology and humanity. Through her experiences and insights, Dr. Li highlights the potential of AI to transform industries and enrich lives while also emphasizing the ethical responsibility of researchers and developers to shape AI in a way that serves humanity's best interests.

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

Gender has nothing to do with one's ability or desire to learn, excel, and succeed in AI—or any field, for that matter.

The real challenge is breaking the barriers that have been ingrained for centuries.

Women are just as capable, creative, and driven as anyone else, and it's essential that we work together to dismantle these outdated perceptions. True progress comes from recognizing equality and supporting each other in achieving our full potential.

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.