In response to persistent inequality in AI fields, in 2023, the Applied AI Institute at Concordia University, in partnership with CREATE SE4AI, launched a mentorship program to promote gender-inclusivity in the AI landscape. The Gender Equity Mentoring in AI (GEMinAI) Program pairs women and gender diverse students to AI professionals for guidance and support along their career paths.

We invite students, academics, and industry professionals across sectors, disciplines and career trajectories to join us in this interactive workshop where we will collaboratively explore best practices and share practical resources for advancing gender inclusivity in AI. Through open dialogue, we envision building an engaged community that is committed to changing the future landscape of gender representation in AI.

This workshop will open with a panel discussion on Effective Approaches to Gender Inclusivity in AI where panel members from academia, industry and non-profit will share their perspectives on policies and practises that advance gender diversity including novel approaches to tackling the gender issue. What’s working, and where is more effort needed? A Q&A session will allow for ample audience participation and sharing of perspectives and experiences. In Part 2, interactive breakout sessions will allow participants to delve into more in-depth discussions on topics that correspond to the themes and initiatives presented in the panel discussion. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: • Gender-responsive AI education and training • Program evaluation and impact assessment tools • Recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies • Inclusive policy frameworks • Feminist epistemologies in machine learning • Mentorship models • Etc.