Our 4th Design Redefined seminar, a collaboration between Innovators for Purpose, the MIT Museum, and MIT MAD, featured a dynamic panel discussion led by Raechel Walker and Daniella DiPaola, both Ph.D. students at the MIT Media Lab, along with Wendell Joseph, a visionary thinker, dreamer, educator, designer, and strategic advisor. iFp's Emerging Innovator, Ramzey, expertly moderated the session. Together, they initiated a dialogue that set the stage for a transformative approach to AI development.

The conversation covered a range of critical topics, including:

• Inclusion as a catalyst for innovation in AI.
• Strategies for overcoming barriers to inclusivity within the AI ecosystem.
• Methods for engaging underrepresented groups to ensure their participation and inclusion in AI innovation.

For those who couldn't join us or wish to revisit the insightful discussion, we invite you to listen to the conversation on the "Voices of 2 Blocks" podcast, available in Season 3, Episode 4. This episode offers a deep dive into how we can collectively foster a more inclusive, ethical, and engaged approach to AI, ensuring technology serves all of humanity equitably. 

Note: Design Redefined is a series designed to engage the public in conversation, aiming to shift our collective perception of design from a traditional product-centric viewpoint—commonly associated with graphic, industrial, or fashion design—towards recognizing it as a process, such as design thinking or human-centered design, and ultimately as a powerful tool for social impact. Our goal is to broaden the understanding of design, showcasing its potential to drive societal change.

Co-Hosts: iFp Emerging Innovators Jeanette and Hermela

Guest: Daniella DiPaola, PhD candidate, MIT Media Lab

Overview

In this episode, Daniella shares her journey and research at the intersection of AI, education, and ethics. With a background in Biomedical Engineering and Engineering Psychology as well as experience in robotics, Daniella emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and its application in educational settings.

Key Points Discussed:

• AI's Role in Education: Insights into how AI technologies like chatbots and predictive systems are being integrated into educational systems, their benefits, and the ethical concerns they raise.
• Ethical AI: Discussion on the necessity of embedding ethical considerations in AI development, focusing on bias, privacy, and the representation of diverse communities.
• Human Aspect in Education: The importance of human interaction and mentorship in the educational process and how AI tools can complement but not replace these elements.
• AI Literacy: The need for comprehensive AI education across all subjects to prepare students for a future where AI plays a significant role in society and the workforce.
• Closing Thoughts: Reflections on the conversation and the potential of AI to both challenge and enhance educational practices.

Welcome back to "Voices of Two Blocks," this season, our co-hosts are taking us on a journey into the fascinating world of AI and community. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Marlyse Reeves, a PhD candidate at MIT, sharing her inspiring journey from a science fiction enthusiast to a trailblazer in AI and technology.

Our conversation spans a variety of compelling topics, including:

• Marlyse's Story: From Aerospace to AI - Discover how Marlyse's early love for science fiction and proximity to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory shaped her initial dreams and led her to the world of AI.
• The Parfait Startup - Dive into Marlyse's entrepreneurial venture, where she co-founded Parfait, blending AI with beauty tech to empower her community.
• Challenges as a BIPOC Woman in Tech - Marlyse opens up about the unique hurdles she has faced as a woman of color in the tech industry, offering a candid look at her journey of resilience and empowerment.
• AI and its Societal Impact - Gain insights into how AI is woven into the fabric of our daily lives and the importance of understanding its capabilities and limitations.
• Algorithmic Bias - A critical discussion on the pervasive issue of bias in AI algorithms, exploring its real-world implications and the need for more inclusive data sets.
• The Road Ahead: Ensuring Fair and Inclusive AI - Marlyse shares her vision for the future of AI, emphasizing the need for diversity in development teams and inclusive approaches in AI design.
• Our Call to Action - The episode concludes with a powerful call to action, urging listeners to play a role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future in technology.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we navigate the complexities and possibilities of AI through Marlyse's remarkable journey.

The Voices of 2 Blocks is back! Tune in as our amazing co-hosts share what they have been up to and unveil an exciting new theme for Season 3.  Get ready for a season packed with captivating discussions and novel insights.

Season 2 of ‘Voices of 2 Blocks’ is now a wrap, and it truly has been an amazing journey! Our talented co-hosts have facilitated enlightening conversations with some of the most influential folks in Cambridge. They’ve shed insight into their guest’s thinking on educational equity and discussed ways of moving past ideas to action.  

In the season finale, our co-host reflects on the journey of the season and shares experiences that have shaped their perspectives. They reintroduce “Pathways to Potential,” a strategic framework aimed at exposing students, starting at Kindergarten, to a variety of educational and career opportunities. 

As the season concludes, they express gratitude for their listeners and the guests they've had the privilege to host.  But most importantly, they reaffirm their commitment to the fight for educational equity and demand that it’s time for those most impacted (students) to have a say in these matters. Who knows - it that might move us past ideas to action!

Join us for an engaging and insightful episode of the Voices 2 Blocks podcast, where our co-hosts have the privilege of sitting down with Yi-An Huang, the City Manager of Cambridge. With extensive experience in healthcare, education, and consulting, Yi-An brings a fresh new perspective to the City government. 

Throughout the podcast, we explore various topics, including our esteemed guest’s journey to becoming the City Manager. We shed light on the unique role of the City Manager in Cambridge's government and delve into the city's annual budget process, examining the allocation of funds to the school system and the city's balancing act between different priorities.

We address the pressing issue of educational disparities, discussing the significant difference between spending and outcome in Cambridge schools. The City Manager candidly discusses the challenges and importance of tackling these conversations to foster a more equitable educational experience for every student.

The discussion on our conversations with the business community about the Harvard Business School’s concept of creating shared value is fascinating. Exploring the potential of shared value creation can unlock immense benefits for both the business community and the larger community. 

Lastly, we delve into the crucial role of accessibility and the City's efforts to make it a throughline in sharing and spreading opportunities at both the city and community levels. And of course, we ask our thought-provoking throughline question: can and should corporate entities play a greater role in our education?

Tune in to gain valuable insights into Yi-An fresh approach to the role of City Manager and be inspired to contribute to Cambridge’s aspirations for creating a more equitable educational experience for every student.

Special Note: We highly recommend that every business leader listens closely to the conversation at 29:10 - 34:40, as it offers valuable insights and perspectives.

Cambridge has been known as the “tale of two cities for decades.” On the one hand, it is home to world-renowned universities, cutting-edge science and tech companies, and an affluent population. On the other hand, it struggles with social and economic disparities, including educational inequality and a lack of affordable housing. This challenge is shared with our neighbor across the river, Boston, which has its own version of a “tale of two cities.”

To gain further insight, we had the opportunity to speak with Chimel Idiokitas, the Assistant Vice President for City & Community Engagement at Northeastern University (NEU). Chimel's commitment to the community and willingness to share NEU successes and challenges make for a refreshing perspective.

By continuing to have conversations like these and sharing knowledge and experiences, we can learn from each other and work towards creating more equitable and just communities in both cities.

Andrea Windhausen, Senior Community Manager at BioMed Realty shares fascinating insights and lessons learned from her years of working with the community in various capacities. She truly embodies the first step in our design process - listening.

What sets 2 Blocks apart from other initiatives that have attempted to address Cambridge’s tale of two Cities story is our focus on amplifying the voice of those most impacted - the youth. That’s why we named our podcast, "Voices of 2 Blocks." In each episode, our co-hosts boldly speak truth to power with conviction and wisdom beyond their years. Apparently, our message is resonating. Andrea captured this sentiment perfectly when she stated, "Sometimes adults need to be told what to do."

We are grateful to Andrea and BioMed for being great supporters of iFp and 2 Blocks. Thank you for joining us on our journey.

School Committee Member Caroline Hunter sheds so many insights in this episode that one must listen to it multiple times.

She recounts the genesis of the first Student Data Report, which she and her colleagues produced in 1986/87. The report highlighted major educational inequalities within the Cambridge School District, and dubbed the District as "a tale of two cities."

She takes us to the present day, where educational disparities still persist, and are made more complex by the layers of bureaucracy that have been added. The interview leaves little doubt that Member Hunter is primed and ready to take action.

Tom Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, sheds interesting insights into a number of areas including Cambridge's coordination problem. He says, we are rowing in the same direction but we're like a bunch of kyaks in the Charles River. Better coordination of efforts like a good crew team could move us closer to our goal.