Events
SoDa Symposium: Equal Input – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Data Science Research
Event Start Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 - 12:00 pm
Event End Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 - 1:00 pm
Location: Virtual EST, Registration Required
Join us for this virtual symposium with talks and discussions, organized by the SoDa research center. Open to the public, no cost. Registration required.
Reimagining Variance: AI and Neurodiverse Populations
Presented by Gabriella Waters, Director of Public Relations, Center for Equitable AI and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS)
Artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced exponential growth in application and innovation, and we’re only at the tip of the iceberg in exploring the many ways in which this technology can be deployed. Despite AI’s far-reaching influence, there are still populations that cannot access or engage with these technologies in a meaningful way. Neurodiversity isn’t always considered when designing the systems AI supports. As the methods used to diagnose and assess diverse neurological presentations become more sensitive and sophisticated, the need for attention to, and inclusion of neurodiverse populations is an area of significance. Given what we know about artificial intelligence, how can we capitalize on the strengths of the technology to ensure it is accessible for as many people as possible? With what we know about neurodiversity, how can we inform the development of new intelligent systems?
Empowering the Neurodiverse Workforce of the Future
Presented by Jhillika Kumar, CEO and Founder, Mentra
At Mentra, we believe it is time that hiring platforms serve the neurodiversity of the human population. Today’s algorithms often screen out candidates primarily based on education background and employment history. This approach fails to take into account aptitude and non-traditional measures of success which can make or break a good job fit for a neurodivergent. To turn these barriers into bridges, Mentra’s platform collects holistic data on cognitive strengths, aptitude, and environmental sensitivities, and accommodations, avoiding the typical “screen out” of those who think differently. By considering data that goes far beyond the resume, Mentra’s AI determines a candidate’s likelihood of success in a particular role by maximizing job retention and job fulfillment. By showcasing a multi-dimensional profile to companies, Mentra acts as a translation layer between employers and neurodivergent professionals who may not display the behavior and experiences recruiters are accustomed with, unlocking a talent pool that has been immensely overlooked.