She Talks Tech

She Talks Tech, Summer Event

AI and Ethics: Navigating Bias and Fairness

For the summer She Talks Tech session we delve into the ethical dimensions of AI development. The discussion explores the ethical considerations in AI addressing biases embedded in algorithms. The panel will also provide insights into strategies for developing more inclusive and unbiased AI technologies. The session promises to explore the intersection between artificial intelligence and ethical responsibility, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the complex landscape of bias and fairness in AI.

What is She Talks Tech?

At She Talks Tech, we're breaking barriers and sparking conversations that matter. We invite you to participate in this groundbreaking panel series presented by remarkable women, where we explore critical topics in the tech world from a unique perspective. But that's not all. We're delving deeper into the issues women face in the tech space today, covering various topics seasonally throughout the year. Our panelists will share their personal stories, triumphs, and challenges, offering invaluable insights.

• Free Admission: This event is open to the public, so bring your friends, colleagues, and anyone interested in tech!
• Hybrid event, join in-person or via YouTube
• Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about tech.
• Snacks and Refreshments: Enjoy a delightful evening of refreshments, snacks, and mingling.

Let's amplify the voices of women in tech together!

Agenda

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Networking, Light Snacks and Refreshments

5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. | Panel Discussion

6:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Audeince Q&A

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Networking

Moderator: 

Laura Fadrique, Communitech

Laura Fadrique is a Senior Program Manager at Communitech with over 20 years of experience in project management and technology. She leads initiatives in Ethical AI, driving responsible AI practices in Canada. With a background in software development and a Master's in Public Health and Health Systems from the University of Waterloo, Laura specializes in data sharing, privacy, and trust. She is passionate about bridging technology and human solutions and advocates for women in tech, mentoring the next generation of female leaders.

Panelists:

Irena Kramer, Gowling WLG

Irena Kramer is a corporate lawyer at Gowling WLG, working with a variety of clients at various stages of growth. She has provided thoughtful, helpful and practical legal advice for over a decade as a corporate lawyer, with a focus on getting her clients where they would like to go. Irena is part of a dynamic team that helps start up clients with organization, financing, capital structuring, employment matters and contract review. 

Sirisha Rambhatla, University of Waterloo

Sirisha Rambhatla is the Director of the Critical Machine Learning Lab and an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on developing reliable ML and AI models for critical decision-making in healthcare, intelligent manufacturing, and aviation. Supported by industry and clinical collaborations, her work has been published in top AI/ML venues such as ICML, NeurIPS, and ICLR, as well as clinical journals. Dr. Rambhatla received her Ph.D. and Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. For more information, visit: https://sirisharambhatla.com/).

Anindita Maiti, Perimeter Institute

Anindita Maiti is a postdoctoral fellow at Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics since Sept 2023. Previously, Anindita was a postdoctoral fellow in the Pehlevan group, Harvard University, from May 2023 through Aug 2023. Anindita has worked on correspondences between quantum and statistical field theory: the framework of particle physics and condensed matter systems, and neural networks: the backbones of machine learning. In her work, Anindita has studied theoretical aspects of ML through the lens of fundamental physics of our universe, as well as she has utilized foundational aspects of ML to reformulate aspects in field theory. Her current research interests are - theory of ML; ML and Artificial Intelligence for quantum field theory, and quantum systems. Anindita received her PhD in theoretical high energy physics at Halverson group, Northeastern University, in Apr 2023. She was a junior investigator at the NSF AI Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions (IAIFI) from 2020 to 2023.

Shabnam Haghzare, Mitacs

Shabnam Haghzare is an applied AI professional whose background spans academia, AI consultancy, and innovation advisor. Her past research primarily focuses on leveraging automated vehicles as assistive technology to enhance older adults' well-being, health, and quality of life, including those with dementia. She recently completed her doctoral degree at the University of Toronto, where she was a graduate fellow at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society. Shabnam is also a postgraduate affiliate at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and an intern at Mila-Quebec AI Institute.

Following her studies, she took on the role of an AI consultant for the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (Quebec Institute of Public Health), where she led AI development plans for a project that explores the applications of AI in developing surveillance systems at the intersection of transportation and health. Currently, Shabnam serves as the advisor of major accounts at Mitacs, working closely with entrepreneurs and major multinationals to develop applied AI projects.

  
Questions?

For more information, please contact Meghan Gervais, Events and Community Engagement Specialist mgervais@acceleratorcentre.com

Special thank you to our sponsors:

Built for real work, Catalyst Commons is an inclusive, collaborative space to do your own thing, but not do it alone. From signing up as a member to accessing the space, Catalyst Commons is designed for coworking experiences that lets you work the way you want to work. Flexible, inclusive, and frictionless is what you can expect.

*Please be advised that She Talks Tech will be recorded and may be used on our website and social platforms. By attending this session, you consent to be recorded and your comments may be used at the discretion of the Accelerator Centre.