The Challenges of Diversifying AI with Wendy Gonzalez

With over two decades of experience in managing technology leadership for several top companies, Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama and Board Member of The Leilah Janah Foundation, has consistently sought to use AI technology to make a meaningful difference, particularly for individuals from low-income communities. Despite facing numerous challenges in both her professional and personal life, Gonzalez has remained steadfast in her purpose. Her dedication to AI-driven social impact led to her nomination as a finalist for the "AI for Good Award - DE & I (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) AI Leader of the Year" by Women in AI. Her journey highlights the decision to either "fold or dig deep" when working to diversify AI technology for the benefit of communities.

The Path to AI and Purpose-Driven Work

Gonzalez’s career has always been driven by a desire to solve problems through technology, utilizing innovations like IoT and services-oriented architecture. However, after becoming a mother, she began to contemplate how she could continue solving technical challenges while also creating a positive impact on communities. The sudden passing of her father served as a pivotal moment, prompting her to take decisive action.

Sama is a key player in the AI ecosystem specializing in data annotation and model validation, presented an opportunity that aligned with her personal and professional aspirations. Its commitment to empowering women and young people resonated deeply with her. Gonzalez and her team at Sama work tirelessly to demonstrate that social business is both viable and impactful.

Overcoming Challenges in AI Leadership

In 2020, Gonzalez faced two major challenges within a span of eight weeks. First, Sama’s founder, Leila Janah, passed away following a battle with epithelioid sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. The company had two choices: to fold or to dig deep. The entire Sama team chose resilience, forging ahead with renewed commitment.

Just as they regained momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing unforeseen challenges. In Uganda, one of the countries where Sama operates, the government imposed an abrupt transportation ban, limiting vehicle occupancy to one person. With only twelve hours’ notice, Sama had to act quickly to ensure its workforce—comprising individuals from low-income communities—could continue their work. Many lacked access to high-speed internet, computers, or even reliable electricity at home.

Sama swiftly collaborated with governments and ISPs to install high-speed internet in Nairobi’s slums and rural Uganda. Laptops and battery packs were delivered via tuk-tuks, and hotels were set up to provide connectivity for employees who still faced barriers. By ensuring that employees remained connected and employed, Sama helped them weather the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Recognition and the Importance of Diverse Perspectives in AI

For Gonzalez, receiving recognition such as the WAI Awards NA 2023 serves as a testament to the importance of diversity in AI. She believes AI has the potential to reshape the world—from how we grow our food to how we drive—but this potential can only be realized if AI is developed with a wide range of perspectives. Diverse thinking contributes to problem-solving and helps reduce bias in AI models.

The Role of Women in AI: Challenges and Opportunities

Research indicates that women make up only about a quarter of the global AI workforce. While this disparity presents a challenge, Gonzalez views it as a real opportunity to get involved at all stages of the AI lifecycle.

At Sama, the hiring process follows an impact-based model, prioritizing an individual’s potential rather than solely their resume credentials. While Gonzalez acknowledges that this approach may not be universally applicable, she firmly believes that a holistic evaluation of candidates is essential to fostering a diverse AI industry.

Sama has made a strong commitment to gender parity, with 51% of its workforce, 48% of senior managers, and 50% of the executive team identifying as female. This balance was maintained even as the company expanded by creating over 1,600 new jobs in 2022.

The Drive to Push AI’s Boundaries for Positive Change

The transformative impact of Sama’s work on individuals’ lives fuels Gonzalez’s motivation. Employees who receive training and experience through Sama have gone on to launch their own businesses, pursue advanced degrees, and advance their careers within Sama itself. These positive outcomes extend beyond individuals, creating ripple effects that uplift families and entire communities.

Advice for Aspiring AI Professionals

Gonzalez offers aspiring AI professionals, particularly women, a piece of valuable advice: success requires more than intelligence and strong communication skills. Two often-overlooked but equally crucial attributes are the ability to listen and resilience. In the rapidly evolving AI landscape, considering diverse perspectives can make the difference between success and failure. Additionally, setbacks should be viewed as learning experiences that can lead to even greater breakthroughs.

Conclusion

As a leader in AI diversification, Gonzalez has witnessed firsthand the potential for AI to transform society. She emphasizes that companies working with AI must prioritize social good.  In other words, Gonzalez hopes that all companies and individuals who work with AI aspire to use it to make a positive impact on the community. 

If you wish to pursue a career in Ai technology, take the time to think about a message from the CEO of Sama: How can you lift people up or otherwise positively impact the world while still delivering value to stakeholders and customers? 

Gonzalez’s journey serves as a powerful example of how commitment to both innovation and social responsibility can drive meaningful change in the AI industry.

Interview by Wendy Gonzalez

Edited by Savita Prasad