2023 Pie & AI Ambassador Spotlight: Shilpi Agarwal, Silicon Valley, USA

Pie & AI is a series of events organized by DeepLearning.AI, a global community aimed at fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These events are typically informal gatherings where attendees can network, learn, and engage with others who share a passion for AI, ML, and related technologies.

Why did you join the DeepLearning.AI community as an event ambassador?

Our mission at DataEthics4All Foundation is to build an ethics-first Data + AI world through an ethics-first AI Score. This is a method to measure a company’s ethical data and AI practices through the lens of their employees and customers. I wanted to join the DeepLearning.AI community as an event ambassador to promote our mission, raise awareness about the importance of integrating ethical principles into the design and use of AI systems, and prioritize ethical considerations in the development, deployment, and utilization of data and artificial intelligence technologies.

What do you do when you are not hosting events with DeepLearning.AI

I’m working towards raising the next generation of ethics-first Data + AI champions through a new program. STEAM in AI is a transformative data and AI ethics intensive that helps high school students learn the fundamentals of data and AI ethics, stand out in college applications through experiential storytelling, and prepare for jobs of the future.

Describe a few highlights from your event ambassador experience.

Our Pie & AI event brought speakers from Silicon Valley tech companies (such as NVIDIA, Slack, SAP, Turn, and more) who shared their journey into AI. This event had a significant impact on local high school students. 

Our Pie & AI event provided a unique opportunity for these students to gain insights into the world of artificial intelligence, its applications, and the pathways taken by professionals in leading tech companies. 

Here’s why this event was such an eye-opener:

• Real-world Insights: Bringing speakers from prominent tech companies exposed the students to professionals who are actively engaged in AI-related work. Listening to their personal stories, challenges, and successes helped the students understand the practical aspects of AI beyond textbooks.
• Diverse Perspectives: The participation of speakers from various companies offered a range of perspectives on AI. Each speaker had a different background, role, and experience, showcasing the diversity of opportunities within the AI field. This exposure inspired students to explore different paths and find what resonates with them.
• Career Pathways: Learning about the journeys of these professionals into AI provided the students with a roadmap for potential career paths. This insight was particularly valuable for high school students who were contemplating their academic and professional choices.
• Industry Trends: Speakers from leading tech companies discussed current trends, challenges, and emerging technologies in the AI space. This exposure helped the students understand the dynamic nature of the field and the skills that are in demand.
• Motivation and Aspiration: High school students often lack exposure to the professional world and might not fully grasp the possibilities that AI and tech careers offer. Listening to professionals who have achieved success in the industry was motivating and encouraging for students to pursue their interests in AI.
• Ethical Considerations: This event emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and deployment. This aligns with the mission of the DataEthics4All Foundation to build an ethics-first AI world, providing students with an early understanding of the ethical responsibilities associated with AI.
• Networking and Connections: The event provided networking opportunities for high school students to real AI/ ML Professionals shaping the field today. Connecting with professionals in the field provided these students with mentorship and internship opportunities.

In summary, hosting the Pie & AI Event with speakers from top Silicon Valley tech companies allowed local high school students to receive first-hand insights into the AI industry. This exposure not only educated them about AI but also potentially inspired them to pursue careers in the field, keeping in line with the the DataEthics4All Foundation’s mission.

What have you learned/gained since joining the DeepLearning.AI community?

Respect, learning, and networking.

What are some predictions you have for the AI community in the next year?

Here are some predictions of potential trends and developments in the AI community that I see over the next year:

• Increased Emphasis on Ethical AI: The focus on ethics in AI is likely to continue to grow. As AI technologies become more integrated into various aspects of our lives, there will be an increasing demand for ethical considerations in their development and deployment. Big companies and organizations will likely invest more in ensuring that their AI systems align with ethical guidelines to address concerns related to bias, privacy, transparency, and fairness.
• Ethical AI Frameworks: Companies are becoming more aware of the potential consequences of AI and are likely to adopt and develop ethical AI frameworks and guidelines. These frameworks will help in creating a set of best practices for building and deploying AI systems responsibly. They may encompass aspects such as data privacy, algorithm transparency, fairness, accountability, and more.
• Ethics Officers or Teams: Some larger organizations might establish dedicated ethics teams or hire ethics officers to oversee the ethical implications of their AI projects. These professionals will work alongside AI developers to ensure that projects adhere to ethical standards and address potential biases or risks.
• AI Policies and Guardrails: The idea of implementing a pause or guardrails in AI development aligns with the growing need for responsible AI practices. Companies may adopt practices like “The Ethics 1st AI Score” before deploying major AI systems, similar to Environmental Impact Assessments in other industries. This could involve evaluating potential risks and benefits, as well as ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place.
• Regulatory Landscape: Governments and regulatory bodies are likely to pay closer attention to AI ethics and governance. We might see more regulatory frameworks or guidelines being introduced that mandate certain ethical practices for AI development, especially in areas such as critical infrastructure, healthcare, and finance.
• Public Awareness and Advocacy: As discussions around ethics in AI gain momentum, public awareness and advocacy for responsible AI are likely to increase. Individuals would want to provide their input as employees and as customers through the “Ethics 1st AI Score.” Consumer demands for transparent and ethical AI products and services could influence the strategies of companies, encouraging them to adopt ethical practices.

Additional thoughts?

In the near future, the AI community, including academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations, will collaborate more to develop common ethical standards, share best practices and encourage the Ethics 1st AI Scoring system. This collaborative approach will help in creating a unified effort to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly.

Do you want to become a Pie & AI Ambassador?