🎊 AI Spotlight: Kim Carson 🎊

Join us in celebrating Kim Carson she's in the WOMENxAI Spotlight.

Let's learn more about AI from Kim:

1. Share your AI origin story

   My passion for technology and AI was sparked during my formative years, despite facing numerous obstacles due to my race and gender. The portrayal of Lt. Uhura from Star Trek as the first Black woman in space was a significant influence, igniting my aspirations to become an aerospace engineer. However, systemic barriers, including exclusion from programs like the Civil Air Patrol and discouragement from educators, instead fueled my determination to create pathways for others like me​. My professional journey began in Silicon Valley during the dotcom era, where I carved out unique roles that challenged norms. My AI journey took a significant leap forward at IBM, where I led the development and market launch of IBM Watson Education. This tool was designed to assist teachers in underserved schools by personalizing learning pathways using aggregated student data.

   
   

   As of 2024, I am the Interim Chief of Staff at Imagine Global, where I continue to push the boundaries of beneficial AI and deep tech. My vision is to leverage AI not just for technological advancements but for societal transformation, aligned with my broader mission of integrating humanity-centric and sustainability-focused models into AI development​.

   
   

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

   ChatGPT 4.0; Motion; You.com

   
   

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

   There are plenty of free courses that teach all the latest and greatest AI tools. I often think I should do one myself so that I get caught up with the latest innovations!

   
   

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

   
   

   Rachel St Clair Laila Danielson Ani Chahal Honan
   

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

   
   

   You don't just belong in the space, we NEED you in the space. AI can only reflect all of humanity if everyone takes part.
   

Special Series: Women's History Month

1. Can you share an example of how AI can be used to address gender-specific challenges or inequalities?

I'm particularly excited about AI as it relates to protein folding, gene mapping and drug discovery for female health. There are already great companies talking about the unique health needs of women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

2. How do you envision AI shaping the future of women's rights and opportunities?

I think that as we get closer to AGI, women will need to take a bigger role. A lot of societal benefit will be enabled by intelligence that makes traditional women's work easier (care-taking, education, hospitality).

3. What strategies have you employed to overcome gender-related obstacles in your AI career?

   
   

   I find accomplices in my male colleages that help me be in the right rooms with the right discussions.
   

4. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of AI?

   
   

   Don't think about it, just do it. AI is more than a field it will impact every field, the more you are able to reshape our future, the better off we will be.
   

5. How do you think AI can be leveraged to celebrate and preserve women's history?

   
   

   Incorporate wisdom and history into our models.