As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes our world, the need for an equitable and ethical approach to this technology becomes increasingly urgent. Speaking at the Henry Luce Foundation’s 2024 Clare Boothe Luce conference in Chicago, Jenny Toomey, Director of the Ford Foundation’s Catalyst Fund, offered a compelling framework for how we can steer AI development toward a more just and inclusive future.

Diversifying AI Design Teams

Toomey emphasized the importance of diversity in the teams that create AI technologies. “It’s not just race and gender—it’s also geography and discipline,” she explained. By incorporating a wide range of perspectives, AI can be developed to consider the needs and impacts of diverse populations, leading to more universally beneficial technologies.

Shifting Away from Solely Commercial Incentives

One of Toomey’s critical points is moving beyond purely commercial motivations in AI development. She argued that just as public resources like libraries and parks enhance societal well-being, AI should also serve public interests alongside commercial ones.

“Work is better when it’s grounded in community. We have to build a bridge between our core work and the future harm, and that’s a negotiation. It seems inconvenient to have to do that, but the fact is, you don’t get the actual solution unless you do that work and you learn a lot,” Toomey stated, advocating for technologies built for profit and the public good.

Ensuring Transparency in AI Operations

Transparency is crucial in the development and deployment of AI systems. Toomey highlighted the current lack of openness, noting, “You know, when somebody says this is happening in my tech, you need to be able to go in and say, yes, that’s what’s happening.” This level of transparency is essential for accountability, particularly when systems do not work as expected or fail to serve all communities equitably.

Establishing Clear Regulatory Frameworks

The need for adequate regulations is a significant barrier to equitable AI. Toomey pointed out that we don’t need entirely new rules but rather an extension of existing laws into the digital realm. “There are no rules,” she remarks, underscoring the need for regulatory frameworks that keep pace with technological advancements and ensure that AI serves the public without infringing on rights or perpetuating biases.

Toomey also discussed her role at the Ford Foundation, where she actively shapes policies that govern AI and technology. “So as I’m at Ford, I’m fighting these policy battles. I’m funding organizations that are trying to put rules in place, and they wake up every day trying to make sure there are rules to protect the public in the Internet environment,” she explained.

However, she noted the challenges of integrating technologists into policy-making, as they often need more understanding of the socio-technical contexts in which they operate.

Conclusion

Jenny Toomey’s insights provide a clear and actionable roadmap for creating a future where AI contributes positively to society. As she wisely noted, “W really have to think bigger, and we’ll do our small, pragmatic steps because we have to get to our next place.” This grounded approach reminds us that while technology may be complex, the principles of fairness and inclusion are straightforward and within reach.

The Clare Boothe Luce Program (CBL) was initiated in 1989 through a bequest by Ambassador Clare Boothe Luce. Since its inception, it has become the largest private supporter of women in STEM fields within higher education in the United States. The program has fostered diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting undergraduate, graduate, and faculty women at various educational institutions nationwide. Over the past 35 years, the CBL program has distributed approximately $250 million through nearly 900 grants to over 200 colleges and universities. More than 70 of these grants have been awarded to minority-serving institutions. Through these efforts, CBL has supported over 3,500 women, helping to shape the next generation of female leaders in STEM. Learn more.