Empowered by AI

As AI tools become essential to how we work, create, and connect—cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought. In this episode of Empowered by AI: Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way, I’m joined by Dawn Kristy, cybersecurity expert and author of 33 Ways Not to Screw Up Cybersecurity.

From deepfakes to phishing emails powered by ChatGPT, we dig into the new reality of risk—and the smart, simple ways solopreneurs and small business owners can protect their work, data, and reputations without needing a technical background.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough to keep my business safe?”—this episode is your sign to listen in and level up.

[00:00] – Welcome & Introduction

Michelle opens the episode and introduces Dawn Kristy, cybersecurity expert and author.

[01:30] – Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever

Dawn shares how AI has changed the threat landscape—and why small businesses are increasingly being targeted.

[03:45] – Human Error & Habits: The #1 Threat

We talk about why most breaches come from user behavior, not complex hacking—and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

[06:00] – Deepfakes, Fake Zooms & AI-Powered Phishing

Dawn reveals some jaw-dropping new scams powered by AI, and how to spot them before it’s too late.

[08:20] – What Every Solopreneur Needs to Do First

Simple, powerful actions to improve your cybersecurity—without hiring a full tech team.

[11:00] – Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor: Yes, Still Necessary

Dawn explains why the basics matter and how to make security part of your workflow.

[14:00] – Cybersecurity for Content Creators & Coaches

Specific tips for entrepreneurs using AI to publish content, run memberships, or host client calls.

[17:30] – When to Bring in Help

Knowing when you can DIY your security—and when to consult an expert.

[20:00] – Ethics, AI, and Digital Responsibility

Why cybersecurity is a feminist issue, and how ethical awareness can build stronger businesses.

[23:00] – Dawn’s Final Advice: Stay Curious, Stay Cautious

Dawn shares her top 3 rules for staying secure in a rapidly evolving tech space.

Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a leadership mindset. As AI becomes more powerful, so do the risks we face—but with experts like Dawn guiding the way, we can be both innovative and protected.

Take action, stay alert, and don’t wait until you’ve been hacked to take cybersecurity seriously. Start with the basics, build your awareness, and lead your business with confidence.

Ready to get more than just an episode? Head to innovativeaistudio.com/podcast and sign up for free tools that support what you learn in each show.

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, we sit down with Deanna Leonard, a marketing and product development expert turned AI advocate, who shares how AI is revolutionizing the way women—especially those 50 and beyond—are stepping into their next chapter. From leaving corporate life to embracing AI as a tool for business, creativity, and personal empowerment, Deanna’s story is one of reinvention and resilience.

Whether you're navigating burnout, looking to rediscover your creativity, or simply curious about how AI can fit into your life, this conversation will inspire you to take action. Tune in to hear how AI is leveling the playing field for women reimagining their work and legacy.

[00:00] – Welcome and introduction to Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect

[01:00] – Deanna’s career journey from corporate America to AI-powered entrepreneurship

[03:30] – The hidden workload women carry and its impact on burnout

[05:00] – How a personal health crisis forced Deanna to reassess work-life balance

[06:45] – Discovering AI and why it reignited creativity for women in midlife

[09:00] – How AI is helping women reimagine their possibilities—personally and professionally

[11:30] – Breaking the myth: You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use AI

[14:00] – Practical ways entrepreneurs can integrate AI into their business

[16:00] – Common fears about AI (Will it replace jobs? Is it ethical?) and how to overcome them

[18:30] – Why midlife women are embracing AI faster than expected

[21:00] – Deanna’s advice for getting started: The 90-minute AI learning sprint

[25:00] – Joy, confidence, and AI: How tech can actually bring creativity back

[28:00] – The power of community: Women lifting each other up in the AI space

[31:00] – What’s next for Deanna and her mission to help more women harness AI

[34:00] – Final words of encouragement and how to connect with Deanna

AI isn’t about replacing us—it’s about empowering us. As Deanna shares, AI can be the tool that helps you rediscover creativity, streamline your business, and reclaim time for the things that truly matter. If you’ve ever felt like technology is moving too fast, this episode is your reminder that you’re not too late—you’re right on time.

🚀 Ready to explore AI in your own work and life? Visit innovativeaistudio.com/podcast to listen and download the free resource tied to this episode.

In this episode, we dive into an unexpected yet powerful combination—AI and breathwork. Emily King shares how integrating breathwork into her marketing strategies has helped founders and entrepreneurs show up as their best selves. From managing stress to leveraging AI tools for efficiency, Emily provides valuable insights into maintaining balance while scaling a business.

⏳ [00:00:00] – Welcome to Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect! Michelle introduces the show and today’s guest, Emily K., who shares her background in marketing and breathwork.

⏳ [00:01:30] – Breathwork in Business: Emily explains why breathwork is a game-changer for female founders, helping them reduce stress, boost focus, and align personal well-being with business goals.

⏳ [00:04:15] – AI & Productivity: How Emily uses AI to enhance her workflow, particularly in editing, content creation, and managing her online women's magazine. She reveals how AI tools have helped her increase content production from 10 to 30+ articles per month.

⏳ [00:06:45] – The Human Touch in AI: Why relying solely on AI for content creation isn’t the best strategy, and how business owners can balance AI automation with personal voice and authenticity.

⏳ [00:08:30] – AI as a Business Partner: Emily discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT and Fathom enhance her productivity, allowing her to focus on high-impact tasks instead of note-taking.

⏳ [00:11:20] – Using AI for Market Research: Insights into how Emily analyzes past client calls using AI to refine her marketing strategies and create content tailored to her audience’s needs.

⏳ [00:13:50] – Challenges with AI: The risks of generic AI-generated content and why Emily believes content should always have a strong human element to maintain brand authenticity.

⏳ [00:16:30] – AI Experimentation & Learning: Emily shares her experience with new AI tools, including insight7 for business analysis and Google’s Gemini AI.

⏳ [00:19:00] – Advice for AI Adoption: Emily’s key takeaways for entrepreneurs: Don’t fear AI—learn to ask better questions, experiment with tools, and leverage AI to free up time for creativity and growth.

⏳ [00:21:30] – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect: Emily shares where listeners can find her work and continue the conversation on breathwork, marketing, and AI.

Emily shows us that AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about empowerment. By embracing AI thoughtfully, business owners can streamline operations without losing their personal touch. Whether you're exploring AI for content creation, client interactions, or strategic planning, this episode provides real-world examples of how to integrate AI without compromising authenticity.

You can connect with her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/_emnco/

Emily invites listeners of this episode to connect with her free Friday breathwork sessions.

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, host Michelle Muncy-Silva speaks with Kenisha Pough, a marketing and communications strategist who helps CEOs and founders amplify their brand storytelling. Kenisha shares how AI tools have transformed her approach to content creation, workflow automation, and business strategy, offering insights into selecting the right AI tools, personalizing AI-generated content, and staying competitive in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

Timestamped Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Welcome & Introduction

Michelle introduces Kenisha Pough, discussing her background in corporate marketing, her transition into entrepreneurship, and how she leverages AI for content creation.

[00:01:00] – Kenisha’s AI Journey: From Curiosity to Implementation

Kenisha explains how she first encountered AI while working in corporate, experimenting with early versions of ChatGPT before discovering more advanced tools like Claude.

[00:03:00] – AI Tools for Business: Navigating the Overload

Kenisha shares her favorite AI platforms, including Claude, Perplexity, Copy.ai, Jasper, and Sonic, and how they help streamline content creation and research.

[00:05:00] – Overcoming AI’s Biggest Hurdle: Finding Your Voice

One of the major challenges with AI-generated writing is maintaining brand authenticity. Kenisha explains how she uses Sonic AI to refine her brand’s voice and adapt AI-generated content to better reflect her style.

[00:07:00] – Choosing the Right AI Tools: Trial, Error, and Exploration

Michelle and Kenisha discuss the overwhelming number of AI tools available and Kenisha’s method for selecting the best ones using shared spreadsheets and community recommendations.

[00:08:30] – Boosting Productivity with AI Automations

Kenisha explains how she uses AI-driven automations for email outreach, follow-ups, and scheduling, reducing manual workload while maintaining a personal touch.

[00:10:00] – The Importance of a Human in the Loop

Despite AI’s capabilities, Kenisha emphasizes the importance of human oversight, ensuring AI-generated content aligns with her personal brand and client needs.

[00:12:00] – AI as an Editor & Brainstorming Partner

Kenisha details how she uses AI to improve clarity and structure in her writing, helping her refine ideas, avoid writer’s block, and enhance the impact of her messaging.

[00:14:00] – Game-Changing AI Tools for Business Owners

Kenisha highlights Make.ai, a powerful Zapier alternative, and Gamma, an AI-driven website builder, explaining how these tools can simplify business operations.

[00:16:00] – The Equalizing Power of AI: Breaking Barriers for Entrepreneurs

Michelle and Kenisha discuss how AI levels the playing field, making high-level business tools accessible to entrepreneurs worldwide—regardless of background or location.

[00:18:00] – Women in AI: Encouraging More Female Leadership

Kenisha shares her thoughts on why more women should explore AI, emphasizing the opportunities for innovation, leadership, and disruption in a male-dominated field.

[00:21:00] – Final Takeaways: Advice for AI-Curious Entrepreneurs

Kenisha’s advice: Don’t be afraid of AI. Explore, experiment, and start small. She encourages business owners to lean into AI-powered opportunities and not get left behind.

Kenisha’s insights reinforce that AI is not replacing humans—it’s empowering them. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your workflow, her strategies highlight the importance of adaptability, experimentation, and continuous learning.

Where to Connect with Kenisha

Kenisha shares how listeners can connect with her on LinkedIn (@Kenisha-Pough), Instagram (@KenishaPough), and her website (Momentumandco.co).

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, host Michelle Muncy-Silva sits down with Sara Chevalier., an AI brand strategist and creative entrepreneur, to discuss the transformative power of AI for women looking to reinvent themselves. Sara shares her personal path from corporate burnout to creative empowerment, explaining how AI has opened doors for women over 40 to step into new opportunities with confidence. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone wondering how AI can become a tool for reinvention and creative exploration.

[00:00:00] – Welcome & Introduction

Michelle introduces the episode and the core theme—how AI is empowering women to step into new careers and creative pursuits.

[00:01:00] – A Wake-Up Call: Finding a New Path

Sara reflects on her corporate burnout, the personal crisis that led her to leave the corporate world, and how she embraced coaching before discovering AI.

[00:04:00] – Skeptic Turned Advocate: Sara’s First Encounter with AI

Sara shares how she initially saw AI as a threat to creativity before realizing its potential as a powerful tool for self-expression and branding.

[00:06:00] – Rewriting the Narrative for Women Over 40

A discussion on how AI is breaking down traditional career barriers and giving women new ways to step into entrepreneurship, creativity, and financial independence.

[00:08:30] – Bridging the Age Gap in AI

Sara highlights the importance of upskilling and learning AI, debunking myths about technology being only for younger generations.

[00:11:00] – Why Mindset Matters: Overcoming Fear & Doubt

The psychological barriers that hold women back from fully embracing AI and how to push through self-doubt.

[00:14:00] – AI as the Great Equalizer

Michelle and Sara discuss why AI is different from previous technological revolutions and how it offers women a chance to redefine work on their own terms.

[00:17:00] – Building AI Awareness and Confidence

Practical steps for getting started with AI, including experimenting with tools, following AI discussions, and engaging with communities.

[00:21:00] – Branding with AI: Finding Your Unique Voice

How AI can be used to create aligned, authentic brands that reflect a person’s strengths and experiences.

[00:25:00] – Community Over Competition

Sara explains how AI spaces are fostering collaboration rather than competition, and why women must take an active role in shaping AI’s future.

[00:30:00] – The Power of Play & Experimentation

Why play is essential when learning new AI tools and how it fuels creativity and confidence.

[00:34:00] – Encouraging Women to Step Forward

Advice for women who feel hesitant about embracing AI and how to take the first step into this new world.

[00:38:00] – Sara’s Vision for the Future

Sara discusses her long-term goals, including writing books, speaking engagements, and building a supportive AI-driven community for women.

Sara’s story is a powerful testament to how AI can serve as a catalyst for reinvention. If you’ve been hesitating to explore AI, let this episode be your sign to take the first step.

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, Michelle sits down with Myra Roldan, an AI strategy and implementation expert, founder of UnDesto AI, and a leader in AI readiness. Myra shares her unconventional path from nursing to tech, how she carved out a space in AI strategy, and why AI readiness is one of the biggest challenges businesses face today. She also dives into the power of women taking their own seat at the table, the importance of mentorship vs. sponsorship, and what’s next for her growing AI consultancy.

If you’re a business owner looking to integrate AI smartly, an entrepreneur wondering how to start with AI, or a woman navigating the male-dominated tech space, this conversation is packed with real insights, strategies, and mic-drop moments.

[00:00] Opening & Myra’s Background

• How Myra’s early career in nursing and clinical research introduced her to data analysis.
• Transitioning into tech and machine learning at the intersection of healthcare and AI.

[03:00] From Consulting to Amazon & Back

• Myra’s seven years of consulting with major companies like Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, and Cisco.
• Her pivotal role at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in AI and machine learning education.
• The realization that led her back into consulting and founding UnDesto AI.

[07:00] The AI Readiness Gap & What Businesses Get Wrong

• Why AI is not a silver bullet and how companies misunderstand its role.
• The five critical components of AI readiness: leadership buy-in, budget, infrastructure, data, and company culture.
• How companies think they need AI but don’t even know where their data lives.

[11:00] Building AI Services & Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

• UnDesto AI’s mission to help companies assess AI readiness, implement solutions, and offer change management support.
• Launching a channel partner program to train consultants and empower women-owned businesses.
• The lack of women—especially Latinas—in AI consulting and how Myra is working to change that.

[14:30] Facing Gender Bias & Microaggressions in AI

• Myra’s recent experiences with unsolicited advice and dismissive attitudes toward her expertise.
• The importance of calling out bias in real-time and maintaining confidence.
• Why women should stop waiting for permission and take their seat at the table.

[20:00] AI Readiness for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses

• Why AI adoption should start with understanding business needs, not just using ChatGPT.
• The importance of reading AI tool terms of service and investing in team accounts for security.
• Why culture—not AI—is often the real problem companies need to address.

[24:00] Myra’s Book: The Curious Case of ChatterBoxGPT

• How Myra turned AI education into a fictional parable to make AI accessible.
• The story of Thaddeus Blandly, who blindly adopts AI and causes a data breach.
• Built-in reflection and discussion questions to help readers think critically about AI implementation.

[28:00] Bringing More Women Into AI Leadership

• The 20% problem: Why women only make up a small percentage of AI professionals.
• How to push past imposter syndrome and confidently take up space in AI.
• The power of mentors vs. sponsors—and why you need both.

[33:00] Actionable Advice for Entrepreneurs Exploring AI

• Don’t just make a vision board—make an action plan.
• Break goals into 30, 60, and 90-day steps.
• Find both a mentor (to guide you) and a sponsor (to advocate for you).

[35:00] What’s Next for Myra & UnDesto AI

• Upcoming speaking engagements at ATD, 100 Women in Finance, and The Business Show Miami.
• Expanding AI readiness programs and launching a subscription-based Blueprint Lab.
• Follow Myra on LinkedIn & TikTok (@learnwithmyra) for AI insights and business advice.

This episode is a must-listen for women who are stepping into AI, business owners struggling with AI adoption, and anyone looking to make their mark in tech. Myra’s story is proof that you don’t need permission to lead—just the courage to take action.

And Myra has a webinar just for listeners of this podcast available here in on March 28th 2025, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bringing-your-business-back-down-to-earth-with-ai-tickets-1116603534229?aff=oddtdtcreator

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, we sit down with Tara B, founder of Do That, Dave, an innovative AI education platform designed to help people, regardless of their technical background, explore AI in an accessible and engaging way. Tara shares how her experience in instructional design and curriculum development led her to launch an AI learning space where curiosity and play drive meaningful skill development. We discuss the importance of low-stakes experimentation, AI literacy, and how entrepreneurs can use AI to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and fuel creativity.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction

Michelle introduces the episode and guest, Tara B, discussing her focus on AI education and her work with Do That, Dave.

[00:01:00] Tara’s Journey into AI & Education

Tara shares her background in instructional design and how her work with cannabis industry education inspired her to create an accessible AI learning platform.

[00:03:00] The AI Learning Gap & The Role of Education

Why AI adoption feels overwhelming for many and how education needs to focus on fundamentals, not just advanced users.

[00:06:00] The Story Behind Do That, Dave

Tara explains the unique name of her company and how it reflects her philosophy on AI education and empowerment.

[00:09:00] Self-Paced Missions: A Different Approach to AI Learning

How Do That, Dave uses hands-on missions rather than passive learning to teach AI literacy and practical applications.

[00:12:00] The Power of Structured Experimentation

Why telling people to “just play around with AI” isn’t enough—and how guided exercises make AI education more effective.

[00:14:00] Future Product Playground: AI & Creativity

Tara’s favorite course that takes learners through designing a futuristic product using AI, showing the creative potential of the technology.

[00:18:00] AI & Decision-Making for Entrepreneurs

How AI can serve as a second opinion, helping solo entrepreneurs refine ideas, analyze options, and make better business decisions.

[00:22:00] AI for Summarization & Information Overload

Tara discusses the real-world impact of using AI to distill vast amounts of information into actionable insights.

[00:27:00] Overcoming AI Fear & Encouraging Inclusion

How AI education should be accessible, straightforward, and welcoming to diverse learners from all backgrounds.

[00:30:00] Training the Next Wave of AI Users

Tara highlights how she structures her courses to help learners take control of AI tools, rather than being intimidated by them.

[00:33:00] Building an AI Community & Peer Learning

The importance of collaborative learning, networking, and creating spaces where people can share and refine their AI skills.

[00:37:00] The Future of Do That, Dave

Tara reveals upcoming live workshops and hybrid learning experiences that blend self-paced courses with interactive discussions.

[00:40:00] Where to Find Tara & Final Thoughts

Tara shares how listeners can connect with her and participate in her AI education programs.

Tara’s approach to AI education proves that learning AI doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be fun, structured, and incredibly rewarding. By focusing on hands-on missions, practical applications, and a supportive learning environment, Do That, Dave is making AI accessible to more people than ever before.

In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, host Michelle Muncy-Silva welcomes Abbey Dyer-Amonette, an AI strategist and business coach dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs harness the power of AI. With a background in corporate leadership and a deep understanding of operational efficiency, Abbey shares how AI can serve as a powerful tool for scaling businesses, enhancing productivity, and creating freedom for entrepreneurs. From AI-powered content creation to leveraging automation for business growth, this conversation dives into the practical applications of AI that can transform the way women build and run their businesses.

[00:00:00] - Introduction

• Welcome to Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect with host Michelle Muncy-Silva.
• Introducing Abbey Dyer-Amonette, a business coach and AI advocate helping entrepreneurs integrate AI into their workflows.

[00:01:00] - From Corporate Leadership to AI-Driven Entrepreneurship

• Abbey’s background in Fortune 500 operations and how she transitioned into AI consulting.
• The pivotal moment that inspired her shift to coaching female entrepreneurs.

[00:02:45] - The Power of AI for Women in Business

• Why AI is a game-changer for solopreneurs and small business owners.
• How women can use AI to streamline processes, automate tasks, and scale sustainably.

[00:04:30] - Common AI Fears and How to Overcome Them

• Addressing concerns about data privacy, complexity, and loss of personal touch.
• How to approach AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement.

[00:06:00] - AI & Intellectual Property: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know

• The importance of protecting proprietary content when using AI.
• Tips for managing AI-generated content without compromising brand identity.

[00:08:00] - AI as a Tool for Business Freedom

• Abbey’s approach to using AI strategically to create a business that supports personal and professional goals.
• Why AI should help you work smarter, not harder.

[00:10:30] - Abbey’s Top AI Tools for Entrepreneurs

• Her favorite AI platforms, including ChatGPT-4, Claude AI, and AI-driven video tools.
• How she has built custom GPTs to enhance branding, marketing, and operations.

[00:12:15] - Productivity Hacks with AI

• How to use AI to generate content ideas, streamline workflows, and optimize social media engagement.
• The importance of mastering AI prompting to get the best results.

[00:14:00] - Optimizing LinkedIn for AI-Enhanced Growth

• How to turn your LinkedIn banner and About section into a powerful marketing tool.
• Using AI to analyze engagement trends and refine content strategy.

[00:16:45] - AI and Female Entrepreneurship: Building Confidence & Visibility

• The role of AI in helping women establish authority in their industries.
• Why AI can be a catalyst for creativity, confidence, and connection.

[00:19:30] - The Future of AI in Business Growth

• Abbey’s predictions on how AI will shape the entrepreneurial landscape in the coming years.
• How AI enables solopreneurs to scale without hiring large teams.

[00:22:00] - What’s Next for Abbey?

• Upcoming speaking engagements and retreats to empower women entrepreneurs.
• The launch of her new AI-driven business coaching programs.

[00:24:30] - Where to Connect with Abbey

• Website: leadwithpositivity.com
• LinkedIn: Abbey Dyer-Amonette
• Facebook Group: Female Entrepreneurs Easily Create Content, Copy & Courses

[00:26:00] - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

• Want to start using AI in your business? Visit innovativeaistudio.com/podcast for free resources.
• Subscribe for more insights from women entrepreneurs leveraging AI to transform their businesses.

Abbey’s expertise showcases how AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency—it’s an opportunity for women to redefine success on their own terms. Whether you’re an established business owner or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you embrace AI with confidence. Tune in and discover how AI can support your entrepreneurial vision!

Just for listeners of this episode, her FREE AI Guide Authentic AI Strategies for busy Female Entrepreneurs is available & she's prepared more on how you can use AI to make your social posting easy! This can be accessed at https://tngirltech.com/ad-global-girl-tech-ai-hub

And you can consider joining her Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/getmoreclientsusingai

Many entrepreneurs jump into AI with excitement, only to get overwhelmed by the endless stream of new tools. In this episode of Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect, Suzanne Welker Jurgens shares her approach to cutting through the noise—shifting from a tool-first mindset to a problem-driven strategy. She takes us through her journey of AI discovery, her experience building 50 custom GPTs, and how she landed her role at Adobe. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in AI options, this episode will help you refocus and optimize your workflow for real results.

• [00:01:00] – Suzanne’s transition from project management at Walmart to AI exploration.
• [00:03:00] – How a layoff turned into an opportunity for deep AI learning.
• [00:05:00] – Experimenting with AI: 50+ GPTs and the importance of hands-on learning.
• [00:07:00] – The problem-first approach: Why starting with the problem (not the tool) is critical.
• [00:10:00] – Avoiding AI tool fatigue and the inefficiencies of overengineering workflows.
• [00:12:00] – How to design AI solutions that actually enhance productivity.
• [00:14:00] – Custom GPTs: How to create AI assistants that fit your needs.
• [00:17:00] – Productivity hacks: Managing workflows, organizing data, and preventing AI tool overload.
• [00:20:00] – How to position AI expertise in your career, even if you're just starting.
• [00:25:00] – Staying strategic: Why you don’t need to chase every new AI tool.

If you’ve ever felt like AI is more of a distraction than a solution, Suzanne’s insights will help you regain control. By starting with the problem, not the tool, and creating a sustainable AI workflow, you can truly unlock AI’s power without the chaos. Tune in to hear practical strategies and a refreshing perspective on how AI can enhance—not complicate—your entrepreneurial path.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with educator and AI champion Dionna Rogers to explore the evolving role of AI in the classroom. Dionna shares her journey from youth development to becoming an AI advocate in education, emphasizing how AI tools can empower both students and teachers. They dive into the challenges educators face, the importance of AI literacy, and how to ensure equitable access to technology.

Tune in to hear insights on AI-driven lesson planning, mentorship, and the balance between human connection and technology in the education space.

[00:00:00] – Introduction

Michelle welcomes listeners to Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect and introduces Dionna Rogers, an educator and AI champion.

[00:01:00] – Dionna’s Path to AI in Education

Dionna shares her background in youth development, her unexpected journey into teaching, and how she became an AI leader at Dream Academy.

[00:03:30] – AI in the Classroom: A Shift in Perspective

Initially skeptical, Dionna describes how AI has changed her teaching approach—helping her create learning materials, streamline assessments, and provide deeper support for students.

[00:06:45] – The Role of AI in Teacher Development

How AI-powered tools are enhancing mentorship, lesson planning, and classroom collaboration.

[00:09:30] – Custom GPTs and AI Tools for Educators

Dionna discusses the practical use of AI to differentiate instruction and support a wide range of learning needs.

[00:12:15] – Challenges of AI Adoption in Education

Concerns about students using AI unethically, and the importance of teaching them responsible AI use instead of banning it outright.

[00:14:45] – The Shift from Fear to Curiosity in AI Adoption

Why educators need to guide students in understanding how AI can be used effectively for learning and critical thinking.

[00:17:00] – How Can AI Bridge Gaps in Education?

Michelle and Dionna discuss how AI can help address educational inequities, particularly for underserved communities.

[00:20:30] – An Idea for an AI Workshop in the Classroom

Dionna brainstorms a hands-on AI literacy activity to teach students how to use AI for feedback and self-improvement.

[00:23:00] – Overcoming Resistance: Encouraging Educators to Try AI

Advice for hesitant teachers—starting with small, manageable AI tasks to enhance their workflow.

[00:26:15] – Equity and Access: How to Ensure AI Reaches Every Student

The need for schools to provide AI education for all students, particularly in communities with fewer technological resources.

[00:30:00] – Looking to the Future: The Role of AI in Education

Dionna reflects on the future of AI-driven learning and how policies and training must evolve.

[00:35:00] – The Importance of Diverse Voices in AI

Why AI conversations need to include more diverse perspectives and how Dionna wants to contribute to that movement.

[00:38:30] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Dionna encourages educators to embrace AI and use it to enhance—not replace—the human connection in education.