Introducing IBM’s new education and elevation program: Women+AI

According to McKinsey research, Generative AI could have a larger economic impact than the personal computer and the internet combined.

With such a tremendous opportunity before us, an IBM Institute for Business Value report earlier this year shared some shocking, facts:

• Only 12% of C-suite and board-level positions are held by women.
• The pipeline of women leaders is shrinking. Today, only 14% of senior VPs, 16% of VPs or directors, and 19% of senior manager positions are held by women—and these figures are lower than they were in 2019.
• 68% of women say men are benefiting more from AI.
• 59% of women are waiting for company direction on using AI tools.

But with education and allyship, women can unlock the power of generative AI, which will help close the gender gap in leadership and ultimately help create the best AI by mitigating potential biases. By developing AI skill sets, women can amplify their influence and shape the future of this technology. Those who have a vision for AI and understanding how it aligns with strategic goals will gain an unbeatable edge.*

To help drive momentum for women to reach these goals, IBM’s Women’s Executive Council is introducing Women+AI, an events and education program open to all that will be the council’s #1 priority.

The program consists of three primary tracks for women and their allies:

• AI Events & Speaker Series: IBM will host and participate in both internal and external events focused on AI-related topics, from careers in AI to ethics and more. This will include the “IBM Think Roadshow: Women+AI Edition,” local events incorporated into IBM’s premiere client conference series. It will feature interactive sessions on AI, expert-led workshops, and networking opportunities.
• AI-liance: All of these events will feature career growth and networking opportunities, such as allyship circles, coaching circles, panels and more.
• AI-xcelerate Learning Celebration: Month-long sprints will feature multilevel learning programs designed to help women succeed in AI by upskilling and educating themselves on a wide variety of topics and issues surrounding AI.

We have an incredible opportunity at hand. We invite other companies – large and small, across every industry – to join forces on this important movement. Now is the time for women around the world to help shape our collective future in AI – let's get started!

*IBM IBV Report – February 2024

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