It was the middle of the night, and Donna Murray had questions. One of her mentees had shared a flyer for an upcoming event, “The Future is HER: Honoring Excellence and Resiliency,” and now Murray’s mind was racing. She immediately booked a flight from Chicago to Atlanta.

“When I saw who some of the panelists were, I said, ‘I need to be in the room,’” said Murray, owner of Donna Murray Design Concepts in Illinois. Murray joined nearly 200 attendees to learn more about artificial intelligence at the Feb. 27 event at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center in Atlanta. The Future is HER connected AI with a variety of career paths, offering an opportunity to explore how this evolving technology is now being used — and the potential for changes in the future.

The daylong event was sponsored by Georgia AIM, STEM Atlanta Women, and Pink STEM. Keynote speakers focused on navigating careers — and the inevitable changes that technology and other challenges create — while panels created intimate spaces for attendees to ask questions of experts in areas such as healthcare, beauty and cosmetics, manufacturing, construction and logistics, tech spaces, and workforce development.

It was the first event of its kind, said Ryan Scott, community engagement manager for Georgia AIM.

“We wanted to create a space to explore AI and how it relates to a variety of career paths,” said Scott. “Working with our partners, we put together a stellar lineup of experts from a variety of fields, all impacted by AI in some way. We want attendees to gain new information about AI that they can take back to their current jobs. Or, they can use this conference as a jumping-off point to launch the next big idea, using AI as a catalyst.”

Panels of curated experts showed the depth of expertise in metro Atlanta. Speakers included tech founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders from the area.

“We had so many amazing panels relevant to manufacturing, healthcare, technology, beauty, workforce development and more,” said Dr. Maxine Cain, executive director of STEM Atlanta Women. Cain’s organization connects hundreds of K-12 students across metro Atlanta to STEM-related career pathways and programs, and The Future is HER provided an opportunity to highlight partners working in innovative spaces.

One such partner was MYAVANA, founded by Atlanta resident Candace Mitchell, who pioneered a method of using DNA to develop the perfect haircare products and routine. MYAVANA uses AI to analyze hair strands, developing the perfect personalized haircare system.

MYAVANA also sponsored a networking reception at the close of the event, which provided an opportunity for attendees to get a free headshot, get their hair analyzed, take selfies, and continue the conversations started during the day’s conference sessions.

And there was a lot to talk about.

Many attendees were small business owners or were interested in starting a business. AI can serve as an assistant, a sounding board, or a general third hand, said Christele Parham, a founder of Macon Black STEM who spoke as part of a panel focused on the technology sector. This kind of resource can be invaluable to small businesses, she said.

“Using tools like Microsoft Copilot, you can audit your processes and create better systems,” Parham said. “And, you don’t have to go it alone.”

It’s important to embrace AI rather than fear it, added Jane McCracken, who also spoke on the panel. It’s another tool for your toolbox.

“We have to embrace it,” she said, adding that it is also a tool that comes with some baggage, including the potential for bias. “And we have to think about building a level playing field inside it.”

Keynote speakers included Denise Quarles, head of strategy for Siemens USA; Tenisha Griggs, CEO of 37X Digital Marketing; and Karen Houghton, CEO of Infinite Giving. Each offered her own personal message of persistence and development, which attendees said was something they could identify with.

“It has been an amazing day,” said Sakeya Donaldson, founder of The Science of Beauty and a panelist. “A day of affirmation, a day of empowerment, and a day of access — access, access, access.”

That was the goal, added Dr. Tamika Head, founder of Pink STEM. The event was curated to open doors for both attendees and speakers. As the event wrapped for the day, it was clear participants had made meaningful connections and forged new friendships.

“We’re so excited to have created this space for learning and growth,” she said. “Pink STEM is all about breaking barriers for girls in STEM, and this event continued that mission. I know a lot of meaningful connections have been made today, and we will continue that momentum as we plan future partnerships and events.”