Alessandra Sala

Alessandra Sala is recognised as an international leading voice in responsible and inclusive AI. As the Global President of Women in AI, she works at the intersection of technological innovation and responsible AI. With two decades of experience in academic and commercial environments, she brings a unique perspective on AI's opportunities and challenges, combining deep technical expertise with a commitment to ensuring its development benefits society. Named on the 2026 Time100 AI list, Alessandra is a leading advocate for building an AI ecosystem that is innovative, responsible, and inclusive.

Alessandra began her career in academic research as a Research Associate at UC Santa Barbara, where she worked on projects spanning data analysis and graph modelling. Alessandra moved into the role of Technical Manager of Data Analytics Research at Nokia Bell Labs before becoming Head of Analytics Research. This provided a strong technical foundation for her subsequent work in AI, machine learning, and data science. She joined Shutterstock in 2020 as the Director of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, later progressing to Senior Director. During her time at the company, Alessandra led the development of Shutterstock’s TRUST approach for Ethical AI, launched in 2023 and built around five principles: Training, Royalties, Uplift, Safeguards and Transparency.

Today, Alessandra continues to shape global conversations around responsible AI through several influential leadership positions. She serves on the board of the AI Office of Ireland and is Co-Chair of UNESCO’s Women for Ethical AI Platform. Here, she works with researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance ethical AI practices, prioritise gender equality, and address the implications of emerging technologies. As Global President of Women in AI, Alessandra leads an international community spanning over 150 countries and creating opportunities for women and minorities to connect, lead, and influence the future of AI. She is also the Governance Committee Chair at the SFY ML-Labs Centre for Research Training in Machine Learning and serves on CeADAR Ireland’s Industry Board.

Alessandra’s honourable contributions to AI and technology have earned numerous prestigious accolades, including her inclusion in the 2026 Time100 AI; she received the Grace Hopper Award in 2024 and the XV International "Le Tecnovisionarie" Prize in AI Industrial Research in 2021. More recently, she was named STEM Professional of the Year at the 2026 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards and received the Women in STEM at the 2025 Women of Europe Awards. She has featured on prominent technology podcasts, including GSMA’s Rewire podcast and Me, Myself, and AI, produced by MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group.

Combining a deep understanding of AI’s technical foundations with extensive commercial experience and international governance leadership, Alessandra offers a distinctive perspective on the future of AI. Her ability to connect complex technological developments with wider ethical, commercial, and societal implications makes her a compelling voice for corporate audiences, industry leaders, and policymakers. As a speaker, Alessandra Sala explores topics including AI for Good, responsible innovation and ethically sourced creativity, diversity in technology and the growing challenge of disinformation and manufactured media. Challenging audiences to look beyond what AI can achieve and consider a future in which technological progress is guided by trust and inclusion.