We stand at a transformative juncture in human history. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping our lives, our work, and our societies. In an era defined by innovation, we continsuously reimagine the limits of AI's potential, and redefining what technology can accomplish.
AI is a beacon of untapped potential set to redefine our future. It is transforming nearly every sector, everywhere. The potential for AI to improve lives, save lives, and transform economies is immense.
However, As we navigate this inflection point, various opinions around how AI should be govered arise. Several thought leaders have underscored the massive risks associated with failing to predict, and prevent the unintended harms of the AI industry’s hyper-rapid growth.
A Call for AI for Good
The advancements in AI technology are only expected to grow in the coming years. The need to advance AI professional education and skill-building is more critical now than ever before.
This includes the need for capacity building, ie: giving more professionals from all backgrounds access to AI and proficiency in Machine Learning.
But even more importantly, the need for trained ethical AI and Human-Centered AI professionals is dire. We must expand, elevate, and mainstream AI for Good as a field of practice in technology worldwide, and in Silicon Valley,
Now, more than ever, we need to empower the next generation of technology leaders who are qualified to shape AI's design and development, while advocating for ethical, responsible, human-centered AI.
We also need to empower the next generation if innovators and entrepreneurs with the needed skills to leverage AI in their businesses, and to connect their work to tacking some of our worlds greatest challenges. Climate change, human rights, energy, healthcare, education, and more.
To be effective at this mission, AI innovators must be equipped with a blend of skills. This includes a technical understanding of cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning technologies; effective leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills, a deep understanding of human-centered AI principles, and awareness of the latest trends in tech investment and AI policy.
That is what we are here to do.
Our mission is to lead AI for Good education programs. We are led by a belief in the significant benefits and potential of AI, but grounded in a pragmatic awareness of its potential risks. Drawing inspiration from pivotal research and initiatives by the Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute and insights from the UN’s AI advisory body which emphasize the critical need for a robust and common understanding for how AI products should be designed, and whether AI can be governed.
Introducing Impact Genius
Impact Genius is pioneering the development of AI for Good Education programs that bridge the gap between technical mastery of AI and ML technologies, the business skills required to drive AI innovation solutions, and the ethical considerations that guide tech innovation.
Our work brings the best of Silicon Valley’s talent and resources, including leading AI entrepreneurs, Stanford University’s alumni, educators, and AI experts community, and the latest research on AI policy and governance from the United Nations and Stanford HAI. frameworks and proposals.
Our vision is to nurture leaders who can ethically harness technology to foster innovation as AI for Good practitioners, equipped with the business and technical skills to lead AI-powered innovation to advance social good.
This vision aligns with the educational philosophy of Stanford's Human-Centered AI, which emphasizes the critical need for integrating ethical considerations and impact studies on the users, on communities, and on all of society during early stage AI product design.
The Evolution of Impact Genius from United Ambassadors
United Ambassadors is our previous brand name. Founded in 2013, our commitment has always been to empower future leaders through education. United Ambassadors focused on engaging youth with the United Nations, and accelerating global youth advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals.
Guided by extensive UN research over 5 years, I co-developed an accurate model for simulating the UN with several UN experts. This was offered at 7 international conferences and educational workshops held at the UN HQ in New York, Geneva, and other locations worldwide.
UA’s work was driven by a deep passion for education and a commitment to leveraging education as a vehicle for impact. My vision was to encourage and inspire students to pursue their dreams in fields that can contribute to the SDGs. We engaged thousands of students worldwide with Model UN initiatives that reflected this vision..
Our previous work has laid the groundwork for Impact Genius to carry forward this vision, integrating technology with social impact for global progress. The rapidly growing emerging trends in AI, including generative AI, computer vision, and intelligent robotics, underscore the urgency of our work. This transition from United Ambassadors to Impact Genius is more than a rebrand; it's a profound commitment to elevating the AI for Good movement.
My Personal Journey
The journey to starting Impact Genius was fueled by a deep-seated belief in continuous growth and development. After a few years as an education entrepeneur, I started a Masters Degree in Education Policy and Leadership at Stanford. This experience was transformational for me.
When you come to Stanford, you realize very quickly, that you are surrounded by the smartest, most amazing, inspiring people in the world. Every one of them has a unique story of impact, and dreams that could change the world. It is a deeply humbling, yet inspiring and empowering experience.. It was at Stanford that I learned that the potential of education is boundless, and that our potential, is boundless too.
During my MA, I attended classes at the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE), the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), and the Stanford School of Engineering. This variety of classes was instrumental in providing me with the diverse skill set that later accelerated my career in technology.
After graduating from my MA. I knew that we were at an inflection point. Technology was foreseen to be the leading field driving economic, social, and human progress. I had to break into tech.I knew that the tech space was where I needed to be. I knew that United Ambassadors needed to undergo a radical transformation.
In early 2020, I started working at Microsoft. Starting as a strategic account manager in U.S education, then moving up to Corporate HQ as a PMM in global education strategy. Over roughly 4 years, I got to witness and learn about the inner workings of a technology company.
Living, studying, and working in Silicon Valley for 5 years, I was blessed with the opportunity to engage with some of the smartest, most influential people out there. Deeply immersed in the tech world, everyone I met taught me something, and sparked new ideas around how this thriving global community can be a driving force behind social good.
All of these experiences inspired the development of Impact Genius, our mission, and the AI for Good Institute.
What is Next?
The AI for Good Institute at Stanford University marks a significant milestone in our mission.
Designed for ambitious interns and professionals aspiring to accelerate careers in technology and impact.
This institute offers an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning technologies, and a hands-on entrepreneurship project that can equip participants with the business skills required to drive AI innovation in the real world. It distinguishes itself with a core focus on AI for Good principals, and a focus on AI policy, ethics, human-centered design, and global governance.
The curriculum is designed to not only impart technical knowledge but to cultivate future leaders who can deploy AI for social good, drawing on frameworks like those proposed by Stanford HAI and the UN AI advisory body's interim report.
The Imperative of AI for Good
As Artificial Intelligence technologies gain rapid adoption, the critical need for AI for Good and Human-Centered AI principles, ethical standards, and global governance conversations become vividly clear. Impact Genius is at the forefront of this movement, dedicated to AI for Good education. Our initiatives are grounded in the belief that AI should enhance the human condition and that tech innovators must collectively work towards a more equitable future.
Join Our Mission
At this time, I would like to call on you to join our work. As we stand on the precipice of a new technological era, the opportunity to shape a future where AI amplifies the best of humanity is within our grasp. Whether you're a student, professional, or thought leader, your contribution is invaluable.
Apply to the AI for Good Institute.
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