NYWICI Women in AI: Empowering Voices, Transforming Technology
AI isn’t just another buzzword. It’s the professional Swiss Army knife we didn’t know we needed. As an early adapter who’s been experimenting with AI tools for event planning and marketing campaigns since 2023, I was thrilled to attend NYWICI’s Women in AI event at IBM, where members and guests gathered to dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence.
Brandi Boatner, NYWICI President, kicked things off with her trademark wit that immediately set the tone—serious insights delivered with a side of humor. And trust me, in a room full of communications professionals, that’s exactly how we like our knowledge served.
In the evening’s standout moment, Sona Iliffe-Moon, Yahoo CCO and Interim CMO revealed some serious truth bombs about AI integration. Her message was clear: AI is a tool, not a threat. At Yahoo, they’re saving 1,000 hours monthly by strategically implementing AI across departments, true efficiency.
What Resonated…
💡Authenticity is Your Superpower – AI can scale but can’t replace genuine human connection. The panelists emphasized that now, more than ever, your unique voice matters. As Alyssa Bernstein, SVP of Corporate Communications, TelevisaUnivision said, “You have to want to lead the horse to water if you want to see the change.”
💡Curiosity is Your Greatest Skill – Whether you’re a seasoned exec or just starting out, staying curious about AI is non-negotiable. The panelists encouraged experimenting with AI tools, from SEO optimization to drafting those tricky email responses.
💡Diversity Drives Innovation – A Signal AI study revealed male CEOs generate four times more media coverage and are quoted three times more frequently. Events like these aren’t just networking; they’re a call to action for amplifying underrepresented voices in tech.
This wasn’t just a conversation about AI—it was about reshaping the professional landscape and ensuring women have a seat at the table in the future.
My Biggest Takeaway? AI is here to help, not replace.
What is the smartest way to use AI? Let it handle the administrative tasks so you can focus on strategy, creativity, and human connections. In my workflow, AI is an Assistant, not a decision-maker; it helps with efficiency, but the real value still comes from human insight.
To my fellow professional women in communications and marketing, stay curious and brave and experiment.
Until next time, keep innovating!
