Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a true game-changer in audiovisual technology. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, the importance of diverse perspectives — especially from women — cannot be overstated. This article explores the roles of women in AV/IT, focusing on their engagement with AI and highlighting the significant strides that they’re making in this transformational field.
The Current Landscape
The AV/IT sector has traditionally been a male-dominated one; women, however, are increasingly making their mark. The disparity is gradually improving as awareness grows and initiatives aimed at closing the gender gap gain momentum.
The Role of AI in AV/IT
AI is at the forefront of technological advancements in AV/IT. From enhancing video and audio quality to automating processes and providing advanced analytics, AI is reshaping business operations. For women in AV/IT, mastering AI is not merely about staying current with industry trends; in fact, it’s about leading the transformation.
Initiatives and Programs Supporting Women
Numerous initiatives are dedicated to supporting women in AV/IT who utilize AI, including the following:
- Girls Who Code: This organization aims to close the gender gap in technology by providing education and coding exposure to young women.
- Women in AI (WAI): A global network working to increase female representation and participation in AI.
- Lean In Circles: Peer support groups that encourage women to pursue their ambitions and support each other.
- AI4ALL: An initiative promoting diversity and inclusion in AI education, research and policy.
Transformative Success Stories
The success stories of women in AV/IT who have prioritized learning about AI are inspiring and instructive in equal measure. Consider the following:
- Fei-Fei Li: A pioneering figure in AI, Fei-Fei Li co-founded AI4ALL and served as the director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab. Her work in computer vision has been instrumental in advancing AI technologies.
- Dr. Joy Buolamwini: The founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, Dr. Buolamwini’s work focuses on combating bias in AI. Her research has led to increased awareness and changes in AI practices to ensure fairness and equity.
- Rana el Kaliouby: The co-founder and CEO of Affectiva, Rana el Kaliouby is a leader in emotion AI. Her work is transforming how machines understand human emotions, enhancing user experiences across various technologies.
The Path Forward
For women in AV/IT, prioritizing learning about AI involves the following strategic steps:
Education and Training: Pursuing education opportunities in AI is crucial. This includes formal education, online courses and workshops. Organizations and universities are increasingly offering programs tailored to women in tech.
Mentorship and Networking: Mentorship programs can provide guidance and support for women navigating careers in AI. Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to opportunities for collaboration and advancement.
Why This Must Be a Priority
From the perspective of WAVIT, prioritizing education and involvement in AI is not a luxury; rather, it’s a necessity. The rapid advancement of AI is already transforming workflows, redefining job roles and reshaping the very structure of AV/IT environments. If women are not equipped with the knowledge, tools and leadership opportunities to engage with these changes, the industry risks perpetuating the same patterns of exclusion that have historically sidelined diverse voices.
We believe that representation drives innovation. When women are active participants in AI development and integration within AV/IT, the outcomes are more equitable, more user-centric and more forward-thinking. AI systems built without diverse input risk embedding biases, failing to meet the nuanced needs of all users and missing creative solutions that arise from inclusive collaboration.
Making AI a priority for women in AV/IT isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s also about having a seat at the table at which the future of our industry is being decided. Whether that’s influencing the design of intelligent AV systems, enhancing automation tools or crafting ethical frameworks for AI use in shared environments, women must be empowered to lead these conversations.
WAVIT is committed to advocacy, education and empowerment. We see this moment as a call to action. We are actively encouraging our members to embrace AI as a skill set and mindset essential to leadership in AV/IT. The future of AV/IT is being built today — and women must not only be a part of that future but also be the ones helping to define it.
Mariana Pinho is client engagement manager with OfficePro, Inc.
