2023 WOC STEM Conference aims to close the gender gap in AI skills

POSTED ON Aug 08, 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming prevalent in our lives, including in social media, healthcare, and e-commerce. To excel in AI, individuals need skills in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, machine learning (ML), data science, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, mathematics, and engineering.

These skills are essential for a successful career in AI and can benefit individuals in other aspects. According to recent LinkedIn data, only 22% of AI professionals worldwide are female, while 78% are male. This gender gap in AI skills has significant implications for women and society.

The number of workers with AI skills increased by 190% globally between 2015 and 2017, and AI specialists are some of the highest-paid experts in the tech industry.

However, if the gender gap in this field persists, it could widen existing pay disparities between men and women. Additionally, having mostly male teams building AI technology that will be run mostly by machines poses ethical challenges.

The 28th annual Women of Color STEM DTX Conference will take place in October 2023, with a focus on empowering women in AI and exploring its impacts across various sectors. A sub theme of the conference is “The AI Renaissance: Empowering Women and Transforming the Future.”

The conference aims to recognize and promote the significant contributions made by women in STEM fields, particularly in AI, and will explore AI’s impacts and opportunities across various sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and finance.

The conference will offer interactive workshops, seminars, and keynote speeches to educate participants on how AI transforms the world. The goal is to inspire, educate, and empower women to be active participants and leaders in the AI field.

Keynote speakers will be influential women in AI who will share their valuable insights, experiences, and visions for the future of AI. The event will also provide networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and a career fair featuring representatives from leading STEM employers.