Access Innovators Network - Week of September 23, 2024 | Issue #4
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Access Innovators Network newsletter! In this issue, we’re focusing on how AI is transforming education, making learning more accessible, personalized, and impactful for individuals and businesses alike.
We’ll be diving into practical insights on how AI-driven tools are empowering people from all backgrounds, especially underserved communities, to harness the power of AI for growth and innovation. You’ll also hear from Norman V. ez, Co-Founder and CEO of BrainTrainr, who has been pioneering AI education for business growth.
This issue will give you a closer look at the intersection of AI and education, with valuable tips and stories to inspire your journey.
Spotlight Story: Empowering Communities with AI Education—The Work of Norman Valdez
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, education is key to staying competitive, and few understand this better than Norman Valdez, Co-Founder and CEO of BrainTrainr. With over a decade of experience in data-driven marketing and AI innovation, Norman is dedicated to democratizing AI education, particularly for underserved communities. His mission is simple: ensure that AI technology is accessible, practical, and transformative for everyone.
As the instructor of the AI for Business Growth masterclass, Norman focuses on equipping entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses with the tools they need to harness AI for growth. The 5-week course is designed to provide hands-on, practical knowledge on integrating AI into business operations, improving productivity, and enhancing customer engagement. Norman’s approach ensures that participants leave with actionable strategies to implement AI ethically and responsibly in their work.
One of the key elements of Norman’s work is his passion for social impact. As an Emerging Technology Fellow, he explores how technologies like AI, web3, and blockchain can drive systemic change and promote equity, particularly within the nonprofit and social impact sectors. Proudly Indigenous from the Aymara people of southern Peru, Norman is committed to using his knowledge to promote inclusivity and ethics in AI.
Norman’s efforts are particularly impactful for those who may not have had traditional access to AI education. His work with BrainTrainr has provided opportunities for communities and small businesses to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world, ensuring they are not left behind.
For those looking to learn how AI can be applied to business growth, Norman’s AI for Business Growth course offers an excellent foundation in automating tasks, optimizing workflows, and improving decision-making. His commitment to inclusive AI education continues to inspire those around him, showcasing the potential for AI to be a tool of empowerment for all.
Quick Tips & Tricks: Accelerate Your Learning with AI Tools
AI is not just transforming business and technology; it's also changing the way we learn. By using tools like Perplexity, ChatGPT, or Claude, you can streamline your research process and gain deeper insights into complex topics more efficiently. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to use these tools together to supercharge your learning:
1. Start with Perplexity for Research
When diving into a new topic, begin by using Perplexity to gather high-quality, up-to-date information. This AI-driven tool is great for collecting reputable articles, recent studies, and expert insights on specific subjects. For instance, if you’re exploring how AI is impacting education, Perplexity can help you find relevant, trusted sources.
2. Feed Your Research into ChatGPT or Claude
After gathering information, input it into ChatGPT or Claude to help process and organize the data. You can ask the AI to summarize long articles, break down complex concepts, or create outlines of key points. This is especially useful if you’re trying to quickly understand large amounts of information.
3. Ask Follow-Up Questions to Deepen Your Understanding
Use ChatGPT or Claude to clarify points or explore deeper insights. You can ask the AI to explain specific sections of your research in simpler terms, compare different perspectives, or even provide examples.
4. Train ChatGPT or Claude to Focus on Specific Information
Customize your interaction by instructing the AI to focus on particular areas of your research, like ethical considerations or practical applications. This helps you refine your learning based on what’s most relevant to you.
5. Interactive Learning and Quizzing
Once you’ve processed the information, you can use ChatGPT or Claude to reinforce what you’ve learned. Ask the AI to quiz you on key concepts or simulate a discussion, making the learning process more interactive and engaging.
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Mark Your Calendar
This week is packed with exciting events! We have two must-attend sessions: one online and one in person. Whether you’re interested in learning how AI can empower underserved communities or want to see how AI is transforming digital accessibility, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and learn from innovative AI-driven solutions.
Event 1: AI for Business Growth—Empowering Underserved Communities through AI Education
Event Overview:
Join Norman Valdez, Co-Founder and CEO of BrainTrainr, as he discusses how AI can drive growth for businesses and nonprofits in underserved communities. Norman will share insights from his AI for Business Growth masterclass, a program designed to provide practical, accessible AI education for entrepreneurs looking to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Make sure to register to receive the event link.
Event 2: The Journey of Building A11Yn—Leveraging AI and Strategic Partnerships for Accessibility
Event Overview:
Join us in person to discover how A11Yn, a groundbreaking digital accessibility solution powered by Azure OpenAI, was built. This event, hosted by the Access Innovators Network, will include a live demo of A11Yn, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and insights from the key partners who played a role in bringing this solution to life.
Confirmed Panelists:
Register by September 25th, noon to attend. A QR code will be sent for access to the BDC office.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
The Access Innovators Network Initiative wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support and dedication of our partners and collaborators. We want to take a moment to extend our sincere thanks to the individuals and organizations that have played a pivotal role in helping us drive accessibility innovation and foster a more inclusive world.
Microsoft Reactor and Alixia Blanc —your partnership has been instrumental in shaping this initiative, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support and collaboration in making our events a success.
BDC , along with the dedicated team members Steve Yan , Samantha McGregor , Jonathan McEachnie and David Wachmann, FMVA have been invaluable partners in helping us turn our vision into reality. Your unwavering commitment to accessibility and innovation has had a profound impact on our journey, and we are fortunate to have you by our side as we work together to drive meaningful change.
We’d also like to express our gratitude to Invest Mississauga and IDEA Mississauga , along with Donna Heslin , Sneha Punwani, MBA , Alieu Jallow, PMP?, CSBS.D , and Zeenia D. , for your invaluable support. Your belief in our mission and your contributions have helped us take meaningful steps toward creating more accessible and inclusive digital spaces.
Thank you all for helping us drive change and innovation through the Access Innovators Network. Together, we’re building a more accessible future for everyone.
Fantastic update, Juan Olarte! It’s inspiring to see how AI is transforming accessibility and empowering both businesses and individuals. The integration of tools like Perplexity and initiatives like BrainTrain are excellent examples of how technology can drive inclusion and enhance learning. At Accessibility Shield, we're keen on similar innovations that break barriers and foster digital inclusivity. Looking forward to Norman V.’s masterclass and the insights it will bring! #AIForAccessibility #DigitalInclusion #InnovativeLearning