Testimonial by Katie Larson by "Feminist and Ethical Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact"

This post was written by Katie Larson MDP (she/her/hers), about her experience in Feminist and Ethical Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact with Dr. Emily Springer. Sign up for the next session of the course here.

In February 2024, I began a future-focused journey through the Feminist and Ethical Artificial Intelligence for Social Impact online training led by Dr. Emily Springer. As someone navigating a career transition, this training did an amazing job preparing me to analyze AI's current and future roles in our society. It provided me with a vital opportunity to catch up on the ever-evolving dynamics of technology and the implications of AI for our collective future.

As a development practitioner with a background in decolonized development studies, the course opened my eyes to the stark realities of AI's potential to perpetuate and amplify colonial and prejudicial strategies within development frameworks. It underscored the urgent need for critical examination and intervention to ensure that AI serves as a tool for equity and inclusion rather than reinforcing existing power imbalances.

Despite being a non-technical professional, the training equipped me with a newfound confidence in navigating the intricate realm of algorithmic design, construction, and implementation.

I now feel prepared to contribute meaningfully to discussions at the intersection of AI, policy-making, and development, advocating for ethical considerations and inclusive practices.

Additionally, as an educator deeply invested in shaping the future of education amidst the challenges of the 21st century, the training provided invaluable insights into the role of AI in educational settings. Dr. Emily Springer's applied learning approach, which encouraged participants to explore real-world use cases within their fields, enabled me to critically analyze the implications of AI in education and prepare myself as an educator capable of facilitating complex conversations on AI-based Ed-tech and its societal impacts.

I highly recommend this training, especially for social impact professionals seeking to ensure that their careers meet the inclusion needs of the current context.

~ Katie Larson, MDP (she/her/hers)