Bridging the Gender Gap in AI Leadership This Women's History Month

 First-of-its-kind event will shape the future of ethical AI development, March 24-26, in Chicago

CHICAGO, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries and society, women remain significantly underrepresented in AI leadership, holding fewer than 20 percent of decision-making roles. This Women's History Month, AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and guiding women in technology, will address the urgent need for gender-inclusive AI governance and the protection of women in the digital age with its first-ever Tech Collaborative, "Responsible AI Forum," taking place March 24-26, 2025, at Chicago's McCormick Place.

The Responsible AI Forum will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to drive meaningful change across multiple areas, including:

Underrepresentation in AI Leadership

Without diverse voices, the development of inclusive and ethical AI solutions remains at risk. The Forum will spotlight initiatives to ensure diverse perspectives shape policies that impact society and the workforce.

Protection from AI-Enabled Harassment and Deepfakes

The rise of deepfake technology and AI-generated misinformation disproportionately targets women, particularly those in public-facing roles. With recent cases of AI-generated explicit content being weaponized against women, the Forum will discuss legal frameworks and technological safeguards to combat digital abuse and protect women's online presence.

AI and the Future of Women's Work

AI-driven automation is rapidly transforming industries, disproportionately affecting jobs traditionally held by women. The Forum will explore pathways to ensure AI empowers women economically rather than exacerbating job displacement.

"With AI policies evolving at an unprecedented pace—from the EU AI Act to emerging U.S. regulations—women must play a central role in shaping the future of AI," said AnitaB.org President and CEO Brenda Darden Wilkerson. "We invite women tech leaders across all levels and disciplines as well as our advocates and allies to join us in driving meaningful change and making history together in Chicago this Women's History Month."

Newly Announced Speakers and Sessions

The Responsible AI Forum will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of AI ethics, policy, and workforce transformation. Moderated by Betsy Tong, Chief Instigator at FocusOS, the event will include distinguished leaders including Wilkerson and Bo Young Lee, President of AnitaB.org Research & Advisory, who will each deliver keynote addresses.

Featured and breakout speakers will include Anamika Barman-Adhikari, Associate Professor at the University of Denver, and Noelle Russell, CEO of the AI Leadership Institute, both of whom bring deep expertise in AI's societal impact. Michelle Hoffmann, PhD, Executive Director of the Chicago Biomedical Consortium, and Shijuade Kadree, Senior Director of Culture and Workforce Strategies at Micron Technology, will explore AI's intersection with workforce development and diversity. Additionally, Erica Simmons, an AI & Digital Transformation Leader and UNESCO Consultant, will address the ethical dimensions of AI, while Nina Idemudia, CEO of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, will discuss AI's role in community-driven innovation. These speakers will lead critical discussions on AI governance, the risks of deepfake technology, and how AI can be harnessed to empower women in the workforce.

The Responsible AI Forum is open to all tech professionals, policymakers, and advocates committed to fostering a more inclusive AI ecosystem. For more information and to register, visit techcollabs.anitab.org.

Media Contact:
Claire Kunzman
407-227-8867
[email protected]

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SOURCE AnitaB.org