What do you call a room full of women who work in AI?
Answer: A rarity...
This question (and answer) was posed by the organsation She Shapes AI on its LinkedIn page this week as it launched its inaugural awards for women leading “remarkable change through AI-powered solutions”.
Using the heading, ‘This is no joke’, the LinkedIn post – though appearing to be tongue-in-cheek – was reinforcing the serious point made by the awards themselves: that not enough attention is given to the work women are doing in the AI and tech-for-good space.
Six women leading “remarkable change through AI-powered solutions” were recognised in this week's She Shapes AI's inaugural awards, which were held in the UK at the UCL School of Management's 50th floor conference facility in Canary Wharf – with views almost as breathtaking as the achievements and ambitions of the winners, who were selected from a competitive pool of diverse nominees from around the world.
Pioneers Post was a media partner and supporter of the AI and Media award – which honours women leveraging AI to revolutionise media creation, integrity and accessibility.
Each of the winners is using AI “to build a better future for people and planet”. Their work covers a wide range of activity, from empowering young voters to combating hate speech and tackling misinformation.
“We are at a critical tipping point. If we want to create a future where AI works for everyone, we need to ensure that it is shaped by many, not a few,” said Dr Julia Stamm (pictured left), an award-winning tech-for-good entrepreneur and the founder of She Shapes AI.
“By celebrating women from across the globe who propel the field forward and highlighting their impactful work, we show what is possible when AI aligns with societal values and responsible principles - and that business success and doing ‘good’ are not mutually exclusive.”
If we want to create a future where AI works for everyone, we need to ensure that it is shaped by many, not a few.
She Shapes AI was founded in 2024 with a mission to “show the potential of AI done well”. It aims to diversify the conversation on and around AI as well as amplifying the voices and contributions of women in the space.
Dr Stamm said the organisation was focusing on women because not enough attention was given to the work women do in the AI and tech-for-good space. “There are so many women out there but the discussion is being very dominated by men and what men are developing.” She said young women interested in tech also needed role models: “Young women who want to work in tech they look and they don't see many role models actually.”
Olivia Gambelin (pictured right), expert in AI and ethics and the organisation's Responsible AI Ambassador, added: “Women tend to forget to tell our stories and highlight them, and I have to say that some of the coolest innovations and fascinating approaches come from women who are 'crafty'.”
- Listen: Good Leaders Podcast Episode 17: Julia Stamm and Olivia Gambelin, the women driving AI for good
The organisation is also setting out to challenge preconceptions of AI and business: “We reject the false choice between business success and doing good,” says its website. “AI can and must help tackle real-world issues like healthcare, education and environmental conservation. By highlighting impactful work, we demonstrate what is possible when AI aligns with societal values and human-centric principles.”
Young women who want to work in tech... don't see many role models.
An officially-recognised affiliated event of the Paris 2025 AI Action Summit, the awards ceremony and preceding conference was held at University College London on Tuesday [18 February], and welcomed delegates from around the world.
Following dozens of nominations, the winners were selected by the She Shapes AI Global Award Council, comprising experts, entrepreneurs and leaders in all six categories. The winners were as follows:
AI & Democracy
Alicia Combaz – As founder and CEO of Make.org, Alicia Combaz has empowered more than 10m citizens worldwide to shape policies on gender equality, environmental action, healthcare and governance. She developed Panoramic.AI, a platform that fosters meaningful public debate in an era of superficial exchanges on social media. In 2024 she spearheaded the Democratic Commons research programme, comprising some 50 multidisciplinary researchers and engineers. Responding to the urgent need for trusted, transparent, and ethical AI tools within public institutions globally, the programme will provide states and cities with free access to AI “that honours democratic principles”.
AI & Peace
Branka Panic – After more than a decade in peace building and humanitarian work, Branka Panic founded AI for Peace, a think-tank exploring AI solutions for lasting peace, security and sustainable development. Branka’s work illustrates how emerging AI technologies can be used in conflict zones to combat hate speech, transform early warning systems, and enhance human rights investigations. With a focus on data-driven and human-centric approaches, she sees AI as solving global problems such as poverty, climate change and injustice.
AI & Nature
Diana Gutierrez – As founder and CEO of the Optim.ai nonprofit, Diana Gutierrez is pioneering methods to make AI more environmentally conscious through innovations like the GreenIMPACT Calculator, which calculates the green footprint of an AI system within a minute. Enabling AI developers to quantify and reduce their environmental impact, Optim.ai also incentivises change through offset mechanisms such as carbon credits and green bonds.
AI & Media
Jenny Romano – As cofounder and CEO of The Newsroom, Jenny Romano has developed AI tools that help journalists map and trace information across thousands of sources, saving over 50% of their information-gathering time while ensuring transparency and accuracy. Tackling both information overload and journalistic resource constraints, The Newsroom is transforming the work of journalists from Latin America to the Middle East. With a commitment to making technology more accessible and more democratic, Jenny sees AI as a powerful tool for change – but only when rigorous ethical standards are met.
AI & Learning
Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo – Founder of the NightOwlGPT app, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo works at the intersection of climate change, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable development. Growing up as a member of the Karay-a ethnolinguistic group, she is committed to preserving endangered languages and empowering marginalised communities. NightOwlGPT provides real-time translation and culturally relevant learning in the Philippines, Colombia, Ghana, and Pakistan, allowing otherwise excluded communities around the world to advance their digital literacy and connect to the global community.
AI & Thought Leadership
Dr Elizabeth M Adams – With over 20 years of experience in technology leadership, Dr Elizabeth Adams helps policy makers and business leaders understand and act on the enormous potential – and necessity – of responsible AI. Elizabeth leads EMA Advisory Services, where her frameworks for responsible AI implementation and employee engagement have reached over 20,000 people globally. In 2021, her advocacy led to a historic policy change in Minneapolis when it banned facial recognition technology, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring AI serves society without compromising ethical standards.
More information is available on the She Shapes AI website.
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