Microsoft’s Sophia Velastegui More diversity needed in the AI Revolution

Sophia Velastegui is the ultimate problem solver. As Microsoft’s General Manager in AI Products Bing Search, she boils her job down to a simple concept: â€Å"What are the needs a person is trying to address and how can I help solve them every day?† From chatbots to supply chains, AI most likely touches your life in some way. According to Microsoft, 75% of apps will be infused with AI by the end of 2019. Velastegui is leading several projects in which AI can sharpen results and streamline systems. One project involves compiling stock data into Excel and translating that information into investment decisions –something both Wall Street firms and retail investors can use. 75% of apps will be infused with AI by the end of 2019 â€Å"All of the major attributes about the stock can be autopopulated. AI looks at the grouping of information you have placed or some triggers associated with it. What are the things that are similar? Am I looking at a stock in the NASDAQ or a different exchange?,† says Velastegui. â€Å" I personally use it for my stock portfolio planning and have a better understanding of the other factors I should take into account.† Another project is a strategic partnership between Microsoft and Wal-Mart incorporating geographic data and census data for real estate planning. Artificial intelligence can help determine whether Wal-Mart should build a megastore or a smaller store in a certain city. â€Å"It understands the difference between parent-to-child relationships. It understands if I have a list of different things – like geographical references—that I don’t need to define it as a city. It knows the difference between Paris, France and Paris, Texas,† says Velastegui. â€Å" It’s also drawing from information we have vetted because we understand this is something that can be used for real estate planning, population control or medical applications.† The Journey into STEM Velastegui was born in South Korea and raised in New York City. As a fourth grader, she fell in love with science thanks to watching many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Fascinated by concepts like the transporter, she would ride her bike to the library and research all the technical terms on the tv show. Her curiosity set her on the path in STEM as she tackled AP physics and math courses in high school. Velastegui then earned Mechanical Engineering degrees at Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley. In her master’s program, she was the only female in a lab of 18 graduate students. Underrepresented individuals must get involved and every one of us can do something about it. It is critical that women get involved. â€Å"What I have found is there are some people – men and women – that really love STEM and we just nerd out,† says Velastegui. While she found comfort with like-minded people, she is trying to close the gender gap today by encouraging young women to consider emerging technology either as a career or side interest. â€Å"Underrepresented individuals must get involved and every one of us can do something about it. It is critical that women get involved. We are 50% of the population,† says Velastegui. â€Å"AI is still in its infancy and it’s being incorporated in applications in real life. We’re seeing increased roles so it’s important you learn about it whether you’re in STEM or not. AI can benefit and help augment some of the human capabilities that we have.† Dive in and explore Velastegui encourages everyone to learn about artificial intelligence because it will be woven into everyday life. A recent McKinsey report found 47% of executives embed AI in their business processes while another 30% is testing AI in pilot projects. If you’re fascinated by artificial intelligence, Sophia Velastegui will happily discuss the range of practical applications with you. If you’re tentative about AI, she invites you to speak up. â€Å"It doesn’t matter if you’re in STEM or not, start working on projects within AI and learn how it applies to your area. Different voices are very important. It’s still early days and this is a great opportunity for all of us to get involved as AI becomes applied in everyday life. â€Å" She suggests these podcasts to learn more about AI: Data Skeptic (starting point, great intro) Partially Derivative (basic data science, ML, AI) Talking machines (basic data science, ML, AI w/ industry application) O’Reilly Data Show (can get technical but interesting discussion) Artificial Intelligence in Industry Clear communication Curiosity is the force that drives Sophia Velastegui in her professional journey, but clear communication is the tool that guides her. Early in her engineering career, Velastegui had a conversation with her parents that made an impact. At the time, she was working in the semiconductor space and her parents asked her about the job. â€Å"I remember describing what I did and my parents thought I was actually trying to be the first Korean astronaut in space. It was very different from what I actually did,† Velastegui recalls. â€Å"How is it that they don’t understand what I’m doing? They love tech but were not necessarily tech savvy. It was my job as a product leader to make sure they understand [what I’m doing] because they’re representative of the community and society we’re in. They keep me honest.† Velastegui underscores that her work in AI is meant to find solutions for the largest pool of people. She explains, â€Å"Technology for the sake of technology and trying to find a fit in the market is not the path. You have to go to the core of what’s the hard problem you’re trying to solve.† Sophia answers questions from Hult students Tobias Straube, Executive MBA, Class of 2018: In one of your latest articles, you talk about the importance of getting more girls into STEM education and afterward, more programming jobs. How can we secure an AI thats more inclusive in general, considering theres not only an imbalance between men and women shaping the AI revolution but also between the Global South and Global North. The main AI stretch is occurring in the Global North (mainly China and the  U.S.) and we see hardly any in Africa or Latin America. Against this background, how can we ensure the AI revolution is benefiting everyone and taking the needs of everyone in the world into account? Sophia:   I’m very honored to be part of the World Economic Forum. One of the things that I bring is AI into the various solution and recommendation that WEF provides. There are various councils that go into different domains. There are also councils that are very uniquely region-oriented†¦. like South America, Africa, Asia and so forth.  Ã‚  It is required that any framework or recommendation that we have for the domain-specific industries, we must engage regularly with the regional team to make sure that our solution takes into account the world-view of solutions.   So it is not the Global North or the Global South. It is the world economics that we’re taking into consideration.   I find it to be incredibly powerful and also insightful about some of the challenges other regions  Ã‚  I personally don’t have exposure other members have. WEF has been very proactive about that. Rebekka Darge, Global One Year MBA, Class of 2019: We are building A.I. to enhance our lives but A.I. technology is known to mirror human biases. What do you see as the biggest social challenges that will arise with this? How does Microsoft take this into consideration when working on new products? Sophia:   For all those who have trepidation and concerns, get involved so that the diverse backgrounds and experiences that you have is being considered in the solution. That’s why I said it doesn’t matter if you’re in STEM or not, please start working on projects within AI and how it applies to your area. It’s because different voices are very important. We (Microsoft) do take into account, â€Å"Are we giving a comprehensive view of the situation? Is the data we have diverse in nature and the data set? Should we be gathering more data so we represent the different types of people and needs of the world? We have programmed in accessibility that we take into account. That’s also part of FATE  ((Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics in AI) that’s been defined. It’s still early days, and so that’s what I’m saying, this is a great opportunity for all of us to get involved, to make sure as it (AI) becomes applied in everyday life that the diverse voices are there. Recognizing some of the concerns is Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021 Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021"> During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . Happy New Year, Hultians! . Happy New Year, Hultians! .