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Unmasking AI with Dr. Joy Buolamwini

I recently listened to the Dare to Lead with Brené Brown podcast episode interview with Dr. Joy Buolamwini, author of Unmasking AI. They discuss gender classification products, bias in algorithms, and Brown’s perspective on technology as an artist, poet, and scientist. Dr. Joy’s research explores the intersection of social impact, AI, and inclusion.

Dr. Joy was pure energy, approachable intellect, and sunshine. She describes herself as a poet and coder, among many other things. Dr. Buolamwini is a Georgia Tech, MIT, and Oxford graduate, among many other things.

I truly enjoyed listening to her describe her journey through life thus far. She has so many layers to her personality and her brain. She loves playing guitar, is grounded in family values, and is comfortable in her own skin (even though she touches on imposter syndrome a bit). I strongly recommend you listen to the interview and watch her TED Talk as well. If you have a daughter, especially one who is of color, I encourage you to listen to the story with her. I will be trying to get my 12-year-old to sit through the hour interview this weekend. It might start with the TED Talk instead.

When I finished my MBA back in 2008, I hired an industrial-organizational psychologist to give me several personality tests to see if tech consulting was the right path for me to continue on. When I walked back into her office to get my results, the first thing she said to me was ‘You are a frustrated artist!’ I had never been called that before, and it was an insight I had never fully internalized. But it was true. I was never encouraged to explore and learn the arts or music, but it always intrigued me. I was so happy to hear Dr. Joy describe her personality, hobbies, and joys in life, which cover both art and science. Don’t be afraid to go down roads that are uncommon. I feel that by journaling and blogging, I am getting in touch with that artistic side I yearn for. I also believe that Startup Tech Entrepreneurship is also an art form as you try to find product-market fit.

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