On a sunny spring Thursday in April 2024, the Faye G. Allen Grand Atrium was filled with people engaged in lively conversations that explored the future of one of the most important and influential technologies of today – artificial intelligence.
Featuring diverse community voices that are often marginalized from the development of powerful technologies like artificial intelligence, the event featured presentations from the “next generation” of Puget Sound’s residents as well as representatives from some of the most influential companies in our region, all of whom had distinct visions on how to use artificial intelligence as a tool that can be used equitable for all members in our Puget Sound region.
With education leaders from the University of Washington’s Board of Regents – Constance Rice – and the Washington state Superintendent of Public Schools – Chris Reykdal – listening intently, the message was clear: powerful technologies CAN be used for the common good, as long we are inclusive in who is part of the conversation.
2024 Innovation Exchange Presenters
- Onur Bakiner, Political Scientist, Seattle University
- BigWorldBreaks BWB Drumline and Aaron Walker-Loud
- Tillicum Middle School students
- Alison Gazarek, Intentional Futures
- Amelia Ransom, Smartsheets
- Jay Cunningham, Researcher, University of Washington
- Jamar “Doc” Montgomery, Black Founder and Funders Group
- Stefania Druga, Google AI
- Orlando Lugo, Salesforce
- Africatown Community Land Trust, William Grose Center for Cultural Innovation
Special Thanks
The event was offered free to the public thanks to generous sponsors BlackSky, The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, and MOHAI board member Maureen Frisch.
Thank you to the 2024 Innovation Exchange Committee: Co-chairs Mark Kotzer, Ana Pinto da Silva, Chris Vorhees; Members Harald Becker, Pauly Cabellon, Ashley-Rose O’Mara, Dukes Wooter
GeekWire captured the impressive breadth of thought and profound insights generated by the evening’s speakers.
Seattle Channel was responsible for capturing the entire program and making it available for streaming on their YouTube channel.
Event Sponsors
- Black Sky
- The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation
- Maureen Frisch