"FemAI is a serious commitment I take responsibly, yet also a space for experimentation. I enjoy challenging norms and reimagining AI through action."

As the Founder and CEO of FemAI, Alexandra has committed her career to building ethical, inclusive AI systems that prioritize social impact. With a background that spans research, activism, and an intensive focus on AI ethics, she brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities within this transformative field.

Alexandra’s journey reflects her dedication to ensuring AI serves a broader social purpose—one that respects ethical standards and fosters inclusivity. Recognized as "AI Person of the Year 2024," she continues to push the boundaries of AI’s potential, advocating for frameworks that integrate the needs of diverse communities.

In this interview, Alexandra shares her motivations for starting FemAI, the challenges of advancing AI ethics, and her vision for the future of responsible technology.

What motivated you to start FemAI, and how did your background in research and activism influence your entrepreneurial journey?

During my MBA, I realized I couldn’t work in organizations focused solely on business value. I decided to shift my studies toward a field I felt personally passionate about: AI Ethics. With the strong support of my professor, I entered the field of ethical dimensions within the EU AI Act. Although I’ve always considered myself a feminist, my background wasn’t initially in politics or data science. However, my AI community quickly reflected the importance of integrating social sciences with AI. I published my first paper even before completing my master’s thesis. This need for intersection between social and technical solutions became my key motivation to continue my journey with FemAI.

Being named "AI Person of the Year 2024" is a significant achievement. How has this recognition impacted your work and FemAI’s mission?

Being named "AI Person of the Year 2024" has been an honor and an extremely powerful motivator. This recognition affirms the importance of FemAI’s mission to create AI systems that are both trustworthy and inclusive. It has amplified our visibility, opening new opportunities to engage with stakeholders across sectors—from policymakers to tech developers—and to promote responsible AI governance at an even larger scale. It was a sign we are on the right track!

What is the core mission of FemAI, and how does it address the ethical considerations surrounding AI development and deployment?

The core mission of FemAI is to ensure that AI technologies are socially and environmentally impactful. Our Responsible AI Framework provides a structured approach for companies and organizations to evaluate and improve their AI systems, prioritizing values that reduce biases, enhance inclusivity, and ensure responsible data practices. This work helps bridge the gap between ethical principles and practical applications, fostering AI that serves everyone equitably.

What legacy do you hope to leave through your work with FemAI, and how do you want to be remembered in the AI community?

 Legacy is a big word. For me, FemAI is both a serious commitment that I approach with great responsibility and a space for experimentation and playfulness. I enjoy challenging the status quo and reimagining the world of AI through action and example. I hope to be remembered as someone who strived for the extraordinary while also savoring the journey along the way.

In a rapidly changing field like AI, how do you stay motivated and focused on your goals amidst challenges and setbacks?

 First of all, it is ok to not be motivated sometimes. However, most of my responsibilities at FemAI derived from my intrinsic motivation. For instance, being a keynote speaker feels like living a dream – very often it provides me with energy more than it consumes it. Whenever I feel stressed or demotivated, I try to adjust my schedule to include activities that replenish my energy—whether it’s connecting with inspiring people or taking a break to breathe. I recognize this is a privileged perspective, but I’m increasingly reminding myself that I can shape most of my actions in ways that bring out my best self, which in turn has a direct positive impact on the company.

 What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those interested in working at the intersection of technology and social impact?

In addition to studying this field extensively, I highly recommend engaging on a practical level as early as possible. Hands-on experience not only builds essential skills but also provides invaluable insights into real-world challenges and dynamics. Being immersed in this space early on helps you understand the ecosystem and develop resilience and adaptability, which are critical traits for social impact-focused entrepreneurs working with evolving technologies."

Thank you Alexandra for the Interview and insights !