AI and analytics from an HBCU perspective

Leading Conversations in AI

On March 8, 2021, the Deloitte AI Institute launched a monthly series, called “Leading Conversations in AI,” to discuss top-of-mind AI topics with leading experts from startups, enterprises, academia, and research groups. This is a virtual event and open to everyone interested to learn more about AI. The most interesting aspect of this series is that all our speakers will always be women and our humble attempt to highlight women in AI role models.

Throughout the series, our speakers will dive deep into a multitude of dimensions of AI in each session - conversational AI, robotics, ethics, scaling AI, Future of Work, diversity in AI, synthetic data, MLOps, neuromorphic computing, computer vision, data and AI governance, speech recognition and many more.

Our fourth event in the series was in partnership with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) Tougaloo College, Morgan State University, Hampton University and the Deloitte AI Institute. The conversation centered on the need to maintain a diverse AI team to help mitigate unwanted racial and gender biases.

Panelists included:

• Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, Morgan State University
• Melissa C. McCoy, Ph.D., interim director of Career Pathways/Career Services, Tougaloo College
• Janett Walters-Williams, Ph.D., assistant professor of science and technology, Hampton University

Emcee: Tasha Austin, principal, Deloitte AI and data analytics

Moderator: Kate Schmidt, senior manager, Deloitte AI Institute

The role of HBCUs in STEM and AI

To bring in multiple perspectives and generate superior solutions, diversifying STEM fields and backgrounds especially in the AI workforce is important. Diverse teams allow multiple perspectives to be brought to bear on the design of AI applications. Because this type of technology will learn and improve over time, diversity of thought is critical. Companies who diversify their STEM workforce will not only add to the body of knowledge but also enable them to serve as role models as they achieve success.

This article is part of an ongoing series of interviews with executives. The executives’ participation in this article are solely for educational purposes based on their knowledge of the subject and the views expressed by them are solely their own. This article should not be deemed or construed to be for the purpose of soliciting business for any of the companies mentioned, nor does Deloitte advocate or endorse the services or products provided by these companies.

This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.

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