Future of Information
with Dr. Rumman Chowdhury

The Surprising (Non-Robotic) Artificial Intelligence That’s Shaping the World

Every day, our lives and decisions are impacted by the algorithms of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

On September 26, data scientist Dr. Rumman Chowdhury shared the social implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) built on biased information as well as her ideas on how communities can be a part of developing and using AI to improve equity and mobility for all.

Chowdhury’s passion lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanity. She comes to data science from a quantitative social science background. Currently, she is a Senior Principal at Accenture, working on cutting-edge applications of Artificial Intelligence and leading the Strategic Growth Initiative on Responsible Artificial Intelligence.

Watch Dr. Chowdhury’s presentation

She serves on the Board of Directors for multiple AI startups and an AI mentor for Katapult Accelerator, an impact tech accelerator in Oslo, Norway. In 2017, she was selected as one of the BBC 100 women as a part of #Teamlead tasked with tackling the glass ceiling by creating an app that can teach women to ‘lean in’ during meetings.

Reactor Panel

Diana Nucera, aka Mother Cyborg, is an artist, educator, and community organizer that explores innovative technology with communities most impacted by the digital divide. Her specialty is developing popular education experiences, supported by dynamic documentation that empower communities to use media and technology as visionary tools. In 2009 Diana co-founded the Detroit Digital Justice Coalition (DDJC).

In 2014 she founded the Detroit Community Technology Project (DCTP), a sponsored project of AMP. Through DTCP, Diana’s work has expanded community technology in Detroit through the Equitable Internet Initiative and in New York through the New America Foundation’s RISE: NYC Program.

Her latest publications include the Opening Data Zine and the Teaching Community Technology Handbook. Diana’s magical, musical alter ego, Mother Cyborg weaves her community organizing and education work into elaborate musical art, installations and performances. Currently, Mother Cyborg is creating on Automata, uncovering the nature of the Artificial Intelligence.

John F. Kwant leads Ford’s global efforts to partner with municipalities to identify urban mobility needs that inform its development of new mobility services, while working to create, pilot and implement new mobility solutions.

Prior to this, Kwant served as director of global strategy focused on Ford Smart Mobility initiatives. He worked for the company’s Asia Pacific group for more than 10 years, as director of Asia Pacific integration, director of international government affairs, regional vice president for government affairs, and as director of the strategy and business development and planning group.

Kwant joined Ford in 1999 to assist in business development, mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances surrounding internet distribution channel partners. He was founder and managing director of Ford Motor Company’s Venture Capital Group, serving on the boards of several of its holdings. Kwant was also director of business intelligence and corporate initiatives as part of automotive strategy.

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