Using Technology To Foster Diversity And Inclusion

Many leaders aim to use AI to promote diversity and inclusion, but not all understand how to manage the challenges it brings. And that’s where things can go wrong. Here’s the truth: AI can either be a tool for driving diversity or a source of unintended bias. Without the right approach, you risk: Bias creeping into hiring algorithms Overlooking diverse talent Creating a less inclusive workplace culture But it doesn’t have to be this way. 🔑 Here’s how leaders can leverage AI to drive diversity and inclusion: 1️⃣ Ensure AI Systems are Bias-Free → Regularly audit AI systems to identify and eliminate biases that could affect recruitment, promotions, or workplace culture. 2️⃣ Use AI to Amplify Diverse Talent → AI can help uncover talent from underrepresented groups by focusing on skills and potential rather than traditional backgrounds. 3️⃣ Foster a Culture of Inclusivity with AI → Use AI-driven insights to create policies and initiatives that actively promote inclusion and belonging within your teams. 4️⃣ Invest in Continuous Learning → The landscape is always evolving. Regularly update AI tools and strategies to ensure they reflect the latest in diversity and inclusion best practices. AI can be a game changer for workplace diversity—but only with the right strategy and oversight. 👉 Ready to explore how AI can help you build a more inclusive workforce? Let’s connect and discuss ways to leverage AI responsibly for a more diverse future.

This is a vulnerable post, so be kind — but this topic feels too important to ignore. The other day, Jennifer Hutchings, asked me about bias in AI. I shared with her this story. Look, I know bias in AI exists, but I’d never felt it as profoundly as when I decided to create AI-generated headshots of myself. After uploading nearly 50 recent, full body photos, I was stunned by the results. The AI-generated images presented a version of my body that felt unrecognizable. Not just noticeably, but drastically slimmer than the pictures I provided. As a female and as a mother to a daughter, this left me very concerned. I started asking myself: Is this what AI “thinks” I should look like? Is this AI’s “standard” of beauty? Is this what AI “thinks” women should look like? Is this the unachievable “Barbie” of the next generation? Sure, we could blame bad technology but that is just masking the real issue: bias tools can and will lead to negative outcomes – much bigger the impacting a person’s self-esteem. I want to be part of the change. Here are a few practical ideas. I would love to hear your ideas as well. - Select AI Partners That Prioritize Diversity and Inclusivity: When choosing AI tools, look for partners who demonstrate a commitment to diversity and ethical practices. Ask about their approach to building inclusive teams, training data, and bias testing. Working with organizations that value transparency and inclusivity. - Ensure Your AI Council Reflects a Range of Experiences and Perspectives: Build a council that goes beyond gender and race diversity to include a mix of experiences, body backgrounds, and viewpoints. A council with varied perspectives is more likely to identify and address hidden biases. - Engage Actively to "Train" AI Models for Diverse Perspectives: When using AI tools, prompt them to provide multiple perspectives, challenge underlying assumptions, and apply varied cultural, social, or contextual lenses. Encourage your team to ask questions that uncover alternative viewpoints and push for more inclusive responses. Ashley Gross Liza Adams Patty Parobek Cathy McPhillips Claire du Preez #AIInnovation #AIforGood #EthicalAI #InclusiveAI #WomeninTech

I recently interviewed Lisa Gelobter, founder and CEO of tEQuitable, on the SHRM AI+HI Project podcast. Lisa's insights into designing AI systems with equity at their core are truly transformative for the future of inclusive workplaces. Lisa reveals how organizations can break through systemic biases and create AI that works for everyone through strategic, inclusive design: ▪️ Understanding the critical importance of equity-centered AI development ▪️ Ensuring communities aren't left on the outside of technological advancement ▪️ Implementing fairness and representation principles in AI systems ▪️ Addressing systemic biases to foster truly inclusive workplace cultures As she powerfully states: "It's about thinking expansively, ensuring that communities aren't left on the outside." Follow Lisa. Read everything she publishes. Click the link in the comment section to listen to the podcast episode and discover how to design AI systems that prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and meaningful change for your organization. #AI #InclusiveWorkplace #Equity #Bias #FutureOfWork #AIEthics #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture