TechCrunch has been featuring a series of interviews spotlighting accomplished women in academia and beyond, who have significantly contributed to the advancement of AI. This initiative aims to give recognition to their impactful work, often overlooked in the mainstream discourse. These interviews will be ongoing throughout the year, aligning with the continuous growth of AI and shedding light on noteworthy endeavors that deserve acknowledgment. You can explore more profiles here.
Today’s spotlight falls on Allison Cohen, the senior applied AI projects manager at Mila, a prominent AI and machine learning community based in Quebec. With over 1,200 researchers, Mila is dedicated to advancing AI research. Cohen’s role involves collaborating with researchers, social scientists, and external partners to implement AI projects that benefit society. Her portfolio includes developing a tool to detect misogyny, an app for identifying online activity related to human trafficking, and an agricultural app aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices in Rwanda.
Previously, Cohen played a pivotal role in AI drug discovery as a co-lead at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, an organization focused on guiding the ethical development and utilization of AI. She has also served as an AI strategy consultant at Deloitte and as a project consultant at the Center for International Digital Policy, an independent Canadian think tank.
In a Q&A session, Cohen reflects on her journey into the AI field, citing a profound fascination with the ability to mathematically model various phenomena, from facial recognition to complex negotiations. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in AI projects and shares her pride in managing a project focused on identifying expressions of bias against women, which garnered recognition in leading AI conferences.
Addressing the challenges of a male-dominated tech industry, Cohen draws inspiration from feminist standpoint theory, advocating for diverse perspectives to drive inclusive change. She underscores the significance of allies and supportive relationships in navigating these challenges and highlights the importance of creating opportunities for women and non-binary individuals in AI through initiatives like her podcast, “The World We’re Building.”
Offering advice to aspiring women in the AI field, Cohen encourages seizing opportunities, whether paid or volunteer-based, to establish a presence and make valuable contributions. She shares her own experience of volunteering during a challenging job market, which ultimately led to a transformative career opportunity in AI.
Cohen’s story exemplifies the resilience and innovation essential for breaking barriers and making meaningful contributions in the evolving landscape of AI.
source: techcrunch
