Dr. Joy Buolamwini

Dr. Joy Buolamwini is a pioneering computer scientist, digital activist, and dynamic keynote speaker, widely recognised for her significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI). As the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, she is celebrated for her transformative research in uncovering and addressing biases in AI systems. One of her most notable achievements is the ‘Gender Shades’ project, which exposed racial and gender biases in facial recognition technologies, leading to widespread changes in the industry.

Joy's journey into the world of technology began with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she stood out as a Stamps President’s Scholar. Her academic journey continued at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, where she earned a Master’s degree in Learning and Technology. Furthering her commitment to merging technology with social justice, she completed another Master’s degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where her groundbreaking research laid the foundation for her influential career. Her research at MIT’s Media Lab led to the groundbreaking ‘Gender Shades’ project, which revealed significant racial and gender biases in commercial AI systems. This work not only garnered global attention but also prompted leading tech companies, including Microsoft and IBM, to make critical improvements to their AI technologies.

Throughout her career, Joy has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honours. Her documentary, ‘Coded Bias’, which delves into the effects of biased AI, earned an Emmy nomination and solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the field. She is also the bestelling author of 'Unmasking AI', detailing her finding during the 'Gender Studies' project. In 2019, she was named one of Fortune’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders, described as ‘the conscience of the AI revolution’. She made history in 2020 as the first Black researcher to appear on the cover of Fast Company in their ‘Most Creative People’ issue. Her impact on the field has been further recognised by her inclusion in the ‘Bloomberg 50’, ‘Forbes 30 under 30’, and the ‘Time 100 AI’ list in 2024. Additionally, her starring role in the Emmy-nominated documentary Coded Bias has brought her research on AI ethics to a global audience.

Hiring Dr. Joy Buolamwini as a keynote speaker offers audiences a profound and engaging exploration of the ethical challenges posed by AI. She covers essential topics such as Algorithmic Justice, AI Ethics, and Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, offering invaluable insights into the importance of equitable and accountable AI in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Her thought-provoking presentations inspire action and encourage a deeper understanding of how technology shapes society.