33. BIPOC-Centered AI: A Critical Look at Inclusivity in Technology with Ajia Allen

In the second episode of our AI series for leaders, Ajia Allen, Owner and Principal Strategist of Digalyne, a digital strategy agency, joins me to discuss the importance of and need for diversity and inclusivity in the development of generative AI tools. 

We kick things off by exploring the meaning of BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, and People of Color – as a term highlighting the importance of including Black and Indigenous communities alongside other people of color in the development of AI technology.

Ajia sheds light on the tech industry's historical underrepresentation and how the term "minority-led and BIPOC-centered" is a call to action. 

We discuss the potential biases in widely used AI models due to lack of diversity in data and Ajia advocates for a responsible and critical approach to AI usage. 

She also emphasizes the ongoing efforts of organizations in establishing ethical AI and governance committees to scrutinize AI outputs, especially in response to instances of discrimination and bias.

We celebrate the unsung heroes from minority communities who have been pivotal in addressing these issues for years. Ajia stresses the importance of recognizing their contributions and building upon their insights for a more inclusive and responsible AI landscape. 

Finally, we explore the proactive role of individual users in providing feedback on AI outputs and the significance of representation, analysis, due diligence, and the creation of governance plans when adopting AI tools in business.

This is a can’t-miss conversation and opportunity for us to build better AI technology together!

In this episode, you’ll:

• Learn the meaning of BIPOC and why it's a crucial term, emphasizing the inclusion of Black and Indigenous communities alongside people of color, and recognizing their unique experiences.
• Gain insights into the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the development of generative AI tools, and understand the significance of being critical and responsible in their usage.
• Explore the potential biases in widely used AI models due to a lack of diversity in data, and learn about the ongoing efforts of organizations to establish ethical AI and governance committees for scrutiny.
• Celebrate the often overlooked contributions of individuals from minority communities who have been working tirelessly for years to address biases in AI, contributing to a more inclusive and responsible AI landscape.
• Get practical tips on being a proactive user of AI tools, including the importance of representation, analysis, due diligence, and the creation of governance plans when considering their adoption in business.

Episode Correction: The AI tool mentioned in the show as Anthropology's Claude should be Anthropic’s Claude.

Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Digalyne’s Website: https://www.digalyne.com/ 
• Digalyne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digalyne_/
• Digalyne’s: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digalyne-consulting 
• Work with Digalyne: https://tinyurl.com/digalyne 
• Book a Free Call with SproutHR: www.sprouthr.co/call