Empowering Women in AI 2024: Allison Cohen's Journey in Developing Ethical AI Initiatives

 Empowering Women in AI 2024: Allison Cohen's Ethical Journey

In an effort to shine a well-deserved spotlight on women excelling in the field of AI, TechCrunch is featuring interviews with remarkable individuals contributing to the AI revolution. Throughout the year, as the AI landscape continues to evolve, we aim to highlight the significant yet often overlooked work of these trailblazers. Read on to discover more profiles.

Today's spotlight is on Allison Cohen, the senior applied AI projects manager at Mila, a thriving AI and machine learning community in Quebec. With a passion for socially beneficial AI projects, Cohen collaborates with researchers, social scientists, and external partners to deploy impactful initiatives. Her diverse portfolio includes developing tools to detect misogyny, identify online activity related to human trafficking, and recommend sustainable farming practices.

Prior to her role at Mila, Cohen co-led AI drug discovery efforts at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, where she advocated for responsible AI development and usage. She also brings experience from her roles as an AI strategy consultant at Deloitte and a project consultant at the Center for International Digital Policy.

Q&A

Q: How did you begin your journey in AI, and what drew you to the field?

A: My journey into AI began during my master's program in global affairs at the University of Toronto. While studying the intricate systems shaping our world, I was captivated by the potential of AI to model complex phenomena, from facial recognition to global trade negotiations. However, as I delved deeper into the field, I recognized the limitations and ethical considerations inherent in algorithmic solutions.

Q: What AI project are you most proud of, and why?

A: One of my proudest achievements was overseeing the creation of a dataset cataloging expressions of bias against women. Managing a multidisciplinary team of experts, including natural language processing specialists and gender studies researchers, was challenging but immensely rewarding. Our project garnered recognition at leading AI conferences and inspired similar initiatives globally, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in responsible AI development.

Q: How do you navigate the challenges of working in a male-dominated tech industry?

A: Despite the prevalence of gender dynamics in the tech industry, I draw inspiration from feminist standpoint theory, which emphasizes the value of marginalized perspectives in driving inclusive change. By fostering strong relationships and allyships, I've found support in amplifying female voices through initiatives like "The World We're Building" podcast. Encouraging diversity and inclusivity is essential for addressing systemic inequalities in AI and beyond.

Q: What advice do you have for women entering the AI field?

A: Seek opportunities to contribute and learn, even if they're unpaid or outside your comfort zone. Volunteering and fully committing to projects can help you stand out and pave the way for future opportunities. Additionally, leverage your network and allies to advocate for inclusion and representation in the AI community.

Q: What are the most pressing issues facing AI today?

A: As AI continues to evolve, it's essential to address scalability while ensuring local relevance and inclusivity. Incorporating diverse perspectives and disciplines, such as anthropology and sociology, into the design process is crucial for developing AI solutions that reflect the needs and experiences of diverse communities. Furthermore, redefining incentives to prioritize responsible AI development over profit-driven models is essential for creating meaningful and equitable solutions.

Q: How can investors promote responsible AI practices?

A: Investors can play a pivotal role in promoting responsible AI by prioritizing teams with values aligned with community interests and accountability. By supporting projects that prioritize ethical considerations and community engagement, investors can contribute to the development of AI solutions that benefit society as a whole.

In conclusion, Allison Cohen's journey exemplifies the transformative potential of AI in addressing societal challenges while advocating for responsible and inclusive development practices. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, her insights and contributions serve as a guiding light for aspiring AI professionals and industry stakeholders alike.