Miriam Vogel is a remarkable woman who has made significant contributions to the AI revolution. She is the CEO of EqualAI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing unconscious bias in AI and promoting responsible AI governance. Additionally, Vogel serves as the chair of the National AI Advisory Committee, which advises President Joe Biden and the White House on AI policy. She also teaches technology law and policy at Georgetown University Law Center.
Vogel’s career in AI began in an unconventional way. Initially working in government, she developed a passion for policy and civil rights. This led her to work in the executive branch, where she focused on equal pay and implicit bias training for federal law enforcement. Her experience as a lawyer in the tech industry and her background in addressing bias and systematic harms made her the ideal candidate to lead EqualAI.
Vogel believes that everyone has a role to play in ensuring that AI is effective and beneficial for all. She emphasizes the importance of supporting women’s voices in AI development, as well as the voices of other underrepresented populations. By incorporating diverse perspectives, AI can be developed to work for all consumers, not just the developers.
For women seeking to enter the AI field, Vogel offers valuable advice. She encourages women to embrace AI tools and become AI-literate, as AI will play a significant role in the future economy. She also highlights that responsible AI development requires perspectives and expertise from individuals of all backgrounds, not just those with STEM degrees.
As AI continues to evolve, Vogel identifies two pressing issues. First, she stresses the need for greater AI literacy among the general population. In order to benefit from AI, individuals must possess the knowledge and skills to navigate this technology. Second, standardized measures and metrics are necessary to evaluate AI systems and build trust among consumers, regulators, and users.
Users of AI should be aware that AI is artificial and built by humans. It reflects human flaws and biases, both in the algorithms created and the data used. It is crucial to approach AI with skepticism and engage in due diligence to ensure that the technology deserves our trust. AI should augment, not replace, humanity.
To responsibly build AI, Vogel emphasizes that it is a collective responsibility. Designers, developers, and deployers must ask critical questions about who the AI system is built for, its use cases, and the potential failures. Best practices, including planning frameworks, accountability, testing, documentation, and routine auditing, should be followed to mitigate risks.
Investors also play a significant role in promoting responsible AI. By asking companies about their AI governance practices and encouraging them to mitigate potential harms and liabilities, investors can ensure better outcomes. Responsible AI governance is not only beneficial for the public good but also in the best interest of investors, as it helps build and sustain public trust.
In conclusion, Miriam Vogel’s work in AI is inspiring. Through her leadership at EqualAI and her role in advising the National AI Advisory Committee, she is actively working towards reducing bias and promoting responsible AI governance. Her insights and advice serve as a valuable guide for women entering the AI field and for all individuals interested in the responsible development of AI.