Algorithms silently structure our lives. Algorithms can determine whether someone is hired, promoted, offered a loan, or provided housing as well as determine which political ads and news articles consumers see. Yet, the responsibility for algorithms in these important decisions is not clear. It is time to talk about the need for accountability in coding ... as algorithms take over more and more aspects of our lives. This WIT.Connect will explore how the lack of diversity in tech impacts our algorithms and how to mitigate human bias in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).

Registration Fees
FREE for WIT Members
$25 for Non-members

Speakers

Ashley Bryant-Baker
Director, Digital and Analytics, Fresh Eyes Digital
linkedin.com/in/ashleymba/

Ashley Bryant-Baker is Director of Digital and Analytics at Fresh Eyes Digital, a data scientist, speaker, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate. Before Fresh Eyes Digital, she ran her own consulting firm, B&B Data Solutions, where she helped brands build and leverage data solutions. She has worked in analytics for over a decade, using data to drive business decisions and built a company that focuses on the human side of data and analytics. She has become a sought after speaker on the topics of Gender Bias in AI, Dynamic Customer Segmentation Using AI, and Diversity in the workplace. She has recently been invited to speak at various events, including SXSW, Data Minds Connect, and Digital Summit DC. Ashley has attended The American Graduate School in Paris, Georgetown, LSU, and Fort Hays University.


Mimi Whitehouse
Senior Manager, Strategic Solutions, Accenture Federal Services
linkedin.com/in/mimi-whitehouse-9425527/

Mimi Whitehouse is a Senior Manager in Accenture Federal Services’ Technology Group, supporting emerging technology and Applied Intelligence initiatives. Having spent the first part of her career focused on improving citizens' access to health supplies in the international development setting, she is passionate about the concept of equity and how technology and diverse voices can effect change. She is particularly excited about the responsible application of technology to transform our lives. Mimi received her MBA from George Mason University, and BA from the University of Virginia.

Rachel Mushahwar
Director, Head of Channel and Partner Sales - Americas, AWS
linkedin.com/in/rachelmushahwar/
twitter.com/rachelmushahwar

• Global executive with 23+ years of experience in a variety of industries and focused on:
• Enabling companies to realize the value of innovative technologies from the edge to the cloud;
• Delivering end-to-end solutions that solve real-world business problems; and
• Leading new initiatives with C-suite executives to help them shape and refine their strategic objectives and achieve business goals.
• Expert speaker on topics ranging from technology and business to women in leadership.
• Named Most Admired Women in Business by Insights Success, “Top Ten Women in Technology” by ChainStoreAge & “Top Industry Transformers” by Women’s Wear Daily
• Featured Forbes Magazine, Wall Street Journal Live and NBC Press.
• Active supporter of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and programs
• Corporate Advisory Board member, University of Arizona’s Terry Lundgren Retail School
• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science (summa cum laude)
• MBA in international business (summa cum laude)
• Columbia’s Graduate School of Business in New York alumna