What happens when the technology reshaping the future is being built without enough women in the room? In this episode of The Steminists Podcast, host Phoebe Goh welcomes back Cecile Kellam, Senior AI Solutions Architect at NetApp and Head of AI Circles for Women in Technology (WIT), for a candid conversation about the AI participation gap and why women in tech communities may be more important than ever. From failing an AI-powered resume screening despite being qualified, to leading a global initiative that helps women build AI skills with confidence, Cecile brings real-world perspective to one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today. Together, Phoebe and Cecile explore how AI can amplify existing biases, why confidence often becomes a hidden barrier to participation, and what organizations can do to ensure AI is shaped by diverse voices instead of the same old perspectives. You'll also hear why community might be AI's secret weapon: creating safe spaces to ask the "dumb" questions, learn by doing, and influence how AI is designed, deployed, and adopted across the workplace. Because if AI is changing everything, everyone should have a seat at the table. And in a fun twist during "Cool and Current," Cecile shares how the latest women's health technology is finally putting women's experiences at the center of innovation. Because the future of AI shouldn't be trained on half the population's perspective. Key Takeaways AI isn't inherently fair. Without intentional inclusion, it can reinforce existing hiring and workplace biases. Representation matters because the people building AI directly influence the outcomes it produces. Confidence can be as significant a barrier as technical skills, especially when stepping into emerging fields like AI. Women's tech communities are evolving from networking groups into powerful engines for AI education, adoption, and influence. Organizations that invest in inclusive AI learning don't just do the right thing. They drive better adoption, stronger productivity, and greater business impact. You do not need a traditional technology background to succeed in AI. Curiosity, experimentation, and the willingness to learn can take you surprisingly far. The best way to close the AI participation gap might just be... using AI itself to learn faster and build confidence. Because the future of AI shouldn't be trained on half the population's perspective. So as always, if you enjoyed this episode, but sure to like, follow and share with your community. Learn more: https://www.netapp.com/artificial-intelligence/ Learn more about WIT (Women in Technology): https://www.womenintechnology.org/ Connect with us! https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebegoh/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%98%81-cecile-kellam-%E2%98%81/

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