Seven Women You Need to Pay Attention to in the Realm of AI, Responsibility, and Tech

Every decade we see new tech rise to power, and right now AI is the most talked about in the room. But, with this power comes great responsibility. As AI shapes industries from healthcare to finance to entertainment, the question of how we build, implement, and regulate it is more important than ever. If AI is to truly benefit all of society, it must be developed with fairness, transparency, and accountability at its core. 

That’s why we look to those who are leading in the space. These trailblazers aren’t just contributing to the conversation, they’re driving it forward. They’re challenging the status quo, pushing for responsible AI practices, and ensuring that AI serves everyone. Let’s take a look at just a few making a profound impact in the world of AI. 

Seven Women Leaders in AI 

From challenging biased systems to advocating for AI that serves the public good, here are seven women who are defining the future of ethical AI. 

1. Dr. Timnit Gebru: Exposing Bias & Demanding Accountability  

Dr. Timnit Gebru is a force for ethical AI. As the founder of DAIR (Distributed Artificial Intelligence Research Institute), she has dedicated her career to exposing bias and pushing for greater accountability in AI. Known for her groundbreaking work in highlighting the racial and gender biases embedded in facial recognition technology, Dr. Gebru’s efforts have sparked global conversations about the need for AI that serves all communities, not just the powerful. Her research also addresses AI’s environmental impact, underscoring the importance of building systems that are not only ethical but also sustainable. 

2. Mira Murati: Pioneering Transparent & Accessible AI  

Mira Murati’s leadership has been marked by bold decisions and a commitment to transparency. As the former CTO and interim CEO of OpenAI, she was thrust into the spotlight during a tumultuous period when the company faced a leadership shake-up. Despite the chaos, Murati’s commitment to responsible AI led her to take a stand against the aggressive commercialization of AI. Now, as the founder of Thinking Machines Lab, she’s creating an AI ecosystem built on transparency, accessibility, and public good.  

3. Dr. Fei-Fei Li: Championing Human-Centered AI  

Dr. Fei-Fei Li is one of the most influential voices in AI today. As a pioneer in computer vision and the co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute (HAI), Dr. Li has spent her career advocating for AI that places human values, ethics, and fairness at its core. Her research has fundamentally changed how AI sees and understands the world, making significant strides toward more robust systems. Dr. Li is also a powerful advocate for others in AI, pushing for the inclusion of women and underrepresented groups in its development. 

4. Lisa Gelobter: Fighting Workplace Bias with AI 

If you’ve ever sent a GIF, you have Lisa Gelobter to thank. A trailblazer in tech, Gelobter was instrumental in the creation of web animation and revolutionized streaming at Hulu. Now, as the founder and CEO of tEQuitable, she’s using AI to fight workplace bias and promote equity in tech. Through her work, Gelobter shows us that AI can be a powerful tool for social justice. 

5. Bo Young Lee: Driving Systemic Change in AI 

Bo Young Lee has spent her career at the intersection of technology and equity. As the President of AnitaB.org Research & Advisory, she’s leading the organization’s efforts to advance responsible AI. Before joining AnitaB.org, Lee was an executive at Uber, where she led a civil rights audit and spearheaded the company’s DEI transformation. Under her leadership, Uber became one of the most just companies in the world. Now, at AnitaB.org, she is pushing for AI that doesn’t just perform well on paper but delivers real lasting power. 

6. Sneha Revanur: The Youth Activist Shaping AI Policy  

At just 15 years old, Sneha Revanur recognized the dangers of biased AI systems that disproportionately affected underrepresented communities. Determined to make a change, she founded Encode Justice, a youth-led movement advocating for AI that puts people over profits. Revanur’s activism has already made waves, with her mobilizing over 1,000 young activists and influencing national AI policies. She is also the youngest advisor on AI ethics at the White House, where she is helping shape the future of AI regulation. 

7. Amba Kak: Holding Big Tech Accountable  

Amba Kak is a legal and tech expert who is holding big tech companies accountable for their role in shaping AI. As the Co-Executive Director of AI Now, Kak is at the forefront of pushing for AI policies that protect people and communities, not just profits. Her work focuses on exposing bias in AI systems and advocating for greater transparency in decision-making processes. 

The Future of Ethical AI & Women’s Role in It 

Women are increasingly shaping the future of AI, and their leadership is essential to creating ethical, inclusive, and transparent technology. Trailblazers like the women above are proving that responsible AI is about building systems that serve all communities. These women are holding Big Tech accountable, pushing for more robust perspectives, and advocating for AI policies that protect people over profits. 

But the journey doesn’t end here. The tech industry still faces barriers to representation, and continued advocacy is critical. As AI continues to impact every part of society, we need more diverse leaders to ensure it remains ethical and inclusive. By supporting women in AI, we’re ensuring a future where technology works for everyone. 

Now is the time to get involved and help shape the future of AI. Join us at the Responsible AI Forum, happening March 24-26 in Chicago, IL, where thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers will gather to discuss the critical issues surrounding ethical AI. Don’t miss the chance to connect, learn, and be part of the movement toward more responsible technology.