The Paradox of Diversity and Inclusion in AI

Link to Session

On Thursday, August 6th, guest panelists Carol Smith of the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Melon University and Department of Defense Specialist Elizabeth Wright joined #NatSecGirlSquad and Giant Oak for a frank discussion regarding the lack of diversity in the AI development field, its implications, and possible solutions.

Several of the major technology have launched plans to increase diversity within their workforce, and over the past six year years, they have tracked their progress. One glaring issue became evident. While all of these companies have made strides in including a more representative number of women and BIPOC individuals in their general labor pools, the make up of their technology development and leadership teams remains strikingly homogeneous. Over six years, the percentage of black development professionals working at top tech companies saw only a 0.8% - 2% gain.