People come in all shapes, sizes, experiences, ages, dialects, et cetera. And as we move more into an automated world, communication still is key."

- Brenda Darden Wilkerson

In this episode, Ana Melikian is joined by Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO of AnitaB.org, to examine the human side of technology and the importance of responsible AI. Drawing on her personal journey and background in computer science, Brenda shares how her passion for improving the human condition has shaped her approach to tech—and why it's crucial to design technology that serves everyone, not just those who build it.

Together, Ana and Brenda unpack the rapid evolution of AI, its impact on society, and the widening gaps it threatens to create. They discuss the risks of leaving people behind in the wake of technological advances, while stressing the power we have to shape how AI is developed and adopted. Brenda highlights the need for diverse perspectives at the table when designing both tech and policy, illustrating how our unique "blind spots" must be considered in order to create equitable and inclusive solutions.

This conversation offers practical insights into how organizations like AnitaB.org convene thinkers, technologists, educators, and users to foster responsible AI—and how we, as individuals and communities, can play an active role in reimagining the future of work and life.

Let's dive in!

This week on The Mindset Zone:

00:00 – Diversity, communication, and automation

01:41 – Brenda’s journey into technology and the human condition

03:49 – Identifying the gap: Designing technology for everyone

05:27 – Early experiences with technology and user inclusion

09:07 – The rise of AI and responsible technology

13:46 – Technology’s impact on different generations and accessibility

16:46 – Voice recognition, accents, and improvements in transcription

18:47 – The evolution of AI and its integration into daily life

22:06 – The speed of AI adoption and societal adaptation

25:29 – The knowledge gap and the importance of responsible AI

29:06 – What is responsible AI?

30:48 – Real-world examples: Driverless cars and diversity in design

About the Guest

Brenda Darden Wilkerson is President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit working to connect and empower women and allies in technology. A former software engineer turned champion for access and opportunity, Brenda founded the pioneering Computer Science for All initiative in Chicago Public Schools, later influencing national policy and earning a White House Champion of Change award. At AnitaB.org, she leads efforts to expand pathways into tech, from apprenticeships to leadership, while building one of the world’s largest communities of women in tech. Named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 in Impact and honored by SXSW for community service, Brenda is a visionary voice for inclusive innovation and a leading advocate for a more just and human-centered tech future.

Resources:

AnitaB.org

ghc.anitab.org

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