The Future Is Here—How Will We Lead in the Age of AI?

I recently attended The Power of Possibility Expo hosted by AI Ready RVA at the Dewey Gottwald Center. The event brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, elected officials, academics, and leaders from various sectors to explore how AI is reshaping our world and the Richmond community. The energy and excitement in the room were undeniable and gave us much to consider as we continue to grow into the age of AI. I found myself immersed in the moment as I listened to the panel and the questions being asked, visited vendors, and engaged in various discussions. I realized that I have a serious learning curve because there’s so much for me to learn about AI. Also, while numerous questions came to mind, one kept returning:

How do we lead in the age of AI and ensure that AI serves everyone—not just those with access, influence, or technological expertise?

AI is already transforming our everyday lives, from health and finance to corporate decision-making, public service delivery, and nonprofit outreach to classroom instruction. It's driving efficiencies, automating complex processes, and opening new doors of possibility. But as with any innovation, its impact depends on who gets to shape it, who benefits, and who might be left behind.

The reality is that we are in the early stages and don't have answers to all the questions— we are still learning. We must intentionally engage leaders and stakeholders across diverse sectors in thoughtful dialogues like the various conversations being hosted by AI Ready RVA about what AI means for our communities, workplaces, and our collective future.

AI is the future, and the future is now. The question is: How will we lead in the Age of AI?

Lessons on AI's Impact Today and Tomorrow

1. AI is Transforming the Lives of Everyone—But in Different Ways

One of the biggest takeaways for me from the Power of Possibility expo, as I listened to the panel, was how AI is being leveraged differently depending on the sector:

• Local and State government uses AI to improve public services, from streamlining traffic management to anticipating community needs.
• Corporations are integrating AI to enhance customer experiences, improve efficiency, and create new products.
• Higher Education institutions like VCU are adapting AI for research, student learning, and administrative processes.
• In addition, how can we ensure that public schools can strategically integrate AI into the classroom while ensuring all students have equitable access to technology? Also, how can nonprofits and philanthropy better leverage AI's potential to analyze social issues, improve grantmaking, target resources effectively, engage donors, and maximize impact? In addition to funding, expertise and capacity will also be needed to implement these solutions at scale.

The question isn't whether AI will shape our work—it’s how we ensure that it does so in inclusive, innovative ways that lead to long-term sustainability.

2. AI Could Widen the Gap Between the 'AI-Haves' and the 'AI-Have-Nots'

Access to AI is not just about technology—it's about who has the training, funding, and opportunity to shape its development. AI must be intentionally designed to be inclusive—otherwise, it risks reinforcing existing disparities and amplifying systemic inequities. We must be willing to wrestle with these questions:

• How do we ensure that schools and nonprofits have access to AI-driven insights and resources so they don't fall behind in this rapidly changing digital age?
• Will AI decision-making systems take into account developers' potential biases to ensure they don't exclude traditionally marginalized communities?
• What role will the public sector play in regulating AI in ways that protect citizens while still allowing innovation to thrive?

3. AI Needs Human-Centered Leadership

Many people assume AI is a problem that tech professionals should solve. ?I strongly believe AI is more than a tool—it's a leadership issue. It requires ethical decision-making, cross-sector collaboration, and proactive policies to ensure it benefits all communities.

Leaders in every sector—not just tech—must engage in shaping AI's future. This includes cross-functional collaborations, including, but not limited to, educators, nonprofit leaders, philanthropic leaders funding AI equity, government leaders ensuring responsible oversight and corporate leaders prioritizing inclusive AI development.

More AI Questions for Leaders

1. How is my organization leveraging AI to serve our community better—and what gaps still exist?
2. What steps are we taking today to ensure AI is accessible, inclusive, and representative of diverse voices?
3. How can we encourage cross-sector collaboration to shape AI in ways that drive equity and innovation?

AI Exercises for Leaders

1. Conduct an AI Audit

You can assess how AI is currently being used in your organization. Consider:

• Who has access to AI tools and training?
• How are AI-driven decisions benefiting or disadvantaging certain groups?
• How can AI be used to advance equity, as well as efficiency?

2. Convene a Cross-Sector AI Roundtable?

Continue building on the Power of Possibility Expo by consistently creating a space that brings together diverse stakeholders and leaders from government, business, education, community philanthropy, and nonprofits to discuss:

• How can we collaborate to ensure AI is an equalizing force, not a dividing one?
• What policies or funding mechanisms can support AI access for underserved communities?

?3. Host an AI & Ethical Leadership Training

Host a training session on AI ethics and bias awareness for your team. Equip leaders with the tools to ask the right questions and hold AI accountable for fair outcomes.

The Power of Possibility expo made one thing clear: AI is here to stay. However, whether it becomes a tool for greater equity or deeper divides depends on how we lead. This is our moment to shape an AI future that is inclusive, ethical, and centered on community impact. The question is not whether AI will transform our world—it already is, and this is just the beginning. The real question is:

How will we lead to ensure AI has the opportunity to work for everyone?

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