Mayor Pureval, Rob Richardson lead ethical AI symposium
Community leader panelists join forces at 1819 Innovation Hub
As artificial intelligence rapidly integrates into everyday life, Rob Richardson, CEO and founder of Disrupt Now and MidwestCon and local tech startup partner of the University of Cincinnati 1819 Innovation Hub, recently spearheaded the Responsible AI Symposium with Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, calling upon community leaders to discuss and ensure AI technologies help users rather than harm.
RJ Sargent, executive director of learning services, UC 1819 Innovation Hub, second from left. Photo/OSU
The event came on the heels of the Ohio Statehouse inaugural Artificial Intelligence Symposium earlier this June. The symposium brought together AI experts from academia, industry leaders and government agencies to discuss the increasing deployment of AI systems and the ethical priorities of leaders in government and higher education. Panelists such as RJ Sargent, executive director of learning services at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub, agreed that equity and digital literacy in AI is critical.
As new phases of AI development continue, community leaders agreed to participate in discussions to incorporate a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making in AI.
Mayor Aftab Pureval. Photo/Mary Dwyer
Mayor Pureval highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Engaging in Ohio, the conversation has already begun. By bringing together a diverse assembly of experts and leaders, we aim to explore how Cincinnati can safely and proactively integrate AI to enhance workforce training, drive pivotal research and establish vital university-industry partnerships. This forum marks the initial step in developing a strategic road map to advance AI technology, ensuring its responsible and equitable use.”
There have been several AI incidents reported that have gone horribly wrong, such as the collision of a driverless Cruise Robot Taxi in San Francisco that dragged a pedestrian 20 feet and a New York Times report on a pregnant woman being arrested due to false AI facial recognition.
Panelists stand in unity to support responsible AI practices. Photo/Mary Dwyer
Richardson emphasized the critical need for responsible AI development and transparency,
“AI and data are the new electricity — powering everything from health care to education, from business to daily life.”
He also shared how AI's rise will exacerbate existing inequalities without immediate and decisive intervention, pushing the most vulnerable communities further behind.
Incorporating best practices from this symposium, the coalition plans to launch its responsible AI initiative during the third annual MidwestCon2024 data hackathon conference, Sept. 4-6.
According to Richardson, the event draws hundreds of tech and AI enthusiasts, from beginners to builders, making the event “an ideal opportunity to bring awareness about responsible AI that does not harm but instead heals young people. AI-generated deep fakes have led to a surge in sextortion cases, victimizing minors and resulting in tragic consequences, including teen suicides. We can lead the charge locally and nationally by bringing together community stakeholders and policymakers.”
Speaker panelists included:
- Mayor Aftab Pureval
- Rob Richardson, founder, Disrupt Now
- Pete Blackshaw, co-founder and CEO, BrandRank AI
- Helen Todd, CincyAI
- Bleuzette Marshall, vice president, UC Office of Equity and Inclusion
- Kelly Cohen, PhD, UC College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, responsible AI expert
- Catherine Bushong, co-president, Cincinnati Women in Technology (GetWITit)
- Tracy Ruberg, executive director, The Circuit
Featured image at top:: Rob Richardson, Mayor Aftab Pureval and panelists. Photo/Mary Dwyer
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