AI, Power, and the Future of Women Entrepreneurs
Key Takeaways and Action Steps from the AI Political Climate Roundtable
AI is no longer just a tool; it’s an active force shaping our economy, democracy, and the way power is distributed. Yet, while AI is accelerating at breakneck speed, who it benefits—and who it leaves behind—isn’t being talked about enough.
At our AI Political Climate Roundtable, seven women AI experts shared powerful, unfiltered insights on the challenges, opportunities, and risks AI presents—especially for women entrepreneurs.
Here’s what you need to know.
📌 The AI Gender Gap: Women Are Being Left Behind
The AI revolution is here—but women aren’t getting an equal seat at the table. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about economic opportunity, representation, and long-term consequences.
The Problem: AI is Built By and For Men
The majority of AI tools are designed by men in Silicon Valley and trained on data that reflects male-centric perspectives.
Women are less likely to be included in AI decision-making, meaning AI continues to reflect male-dominated priorities and biases.
“AI tools are overwhelmingly created by men in tech, for men in tech. That’s not just a diversity issue—it’s a power issue.”
- Dr. Nici Sweaney
The AI Opportunity Gap
Women are also less likely to be using AI strategically in business and the workplace, and this lack of engagement is coming at a massive economic cost.
Businesses integrating AI are predicted to double their revenue by 2030.
AI adoption increases productivity by 40%—an advantage disproportionately benefiting men.
80% of women’s jobs are in high-risk automation roles, compared to 58% of men’s.
This means that AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency—it’s an economic survival tool for women in business. If women don’t actively engage, the gender pay gap will explode.
“We’ve always been given technology after the fact—this is the first time we have a chance to get ahead of a major shift. But that window is closing fast.”
- Dr. Nici Sweaney
The Risks: Women’s Jobs Are More Vulnerable
The World Economic Forum estimates that 80% of jobs held by women are at risk of AI-driven automation.
Fields like administration, HR, customer service, and content creation are the first to be automated—all sectors where women are overrepresented.
The economic fallout will be disproportionately felt by women, especially in industries that are slow to adapt AI training and reskilling.
“Women’s jobs are at higher risk of AI-driven automation, yet we’re being left out of the AI revolution. If we don’t engage, we’re handing over power—again.”
- Dr. Nici Sweaney
The Solution: Women Need to Engage with AI NOW
Dr. Nici emphasized that boycotting AI won’t fix bias. The only way to ensure women benefit from AI is to use it, shape it, and demand better from tech companies.
Women need to train AI on their voices, their language, and their values.
Women entrepreneurs must embrace AI tools for automation, scaling, and efficiency to stay competitive.
There needs to be a global movement to reskill women for AI-powered industries to prevent job displacement.
“This is setting the landscape for why we care. And the hope of it is that while there’s never been a moment in history like this, there’s also never been a moment where women actually can make a different decision. We have a really tiny moment where we may be able to avoid the gap altogether. By answering this call to arms and leveraging the fact that we are aware, educated, and empowered, we actually can choose to do something about it.”
- Dr. Nici Sweaney
What You Can Do Today
Start using AI in your business. Even small integrations now will make a difference in the future.
Advocate for gender-inclusive AI development. Follow and support initiatives that promote women in AI.
Join AI literacy programs. If your industry is at risk of automation, start learning AI-powered skills to future-proof your career.
💡 Key Takeaway: AI is not just about efficiency—it’s about economic survival. Women must start using AI strategically in their businesses now.
Speaker: Dr. Nici Sweaney | @ai_herway aiherway.com.au
Here’s a highlight clip from our live roundtable:
📌 AI Bias & Why It Reinforces Systemic Inequality
Bias in AI isn’t just an unfortunate byproduct; it’s embedded into the very way these systems are built and trained.
The Problem: AI Isn’t Neutral. It Reflects Existing Inequalities
AI models are trained on historical data, which means they inherit all the biases within that data.
AI often defaults to privileged perspectives, reinforcing stereotypes and excluding marginalized voices.
“A self-driving car was 47% more likely to hit a dark-skinned woman than a white man. Why? Because the AI wasn’t trained to recognize her as human.”
- Kelsey Silver
How AI Bias Shows Up in Everyday Use
Hiring algorithms favor men over women due to biased resume data.
AI-generated images and text default to white, Western narratives.
Medical AI underdiagnoses conditions in women and people of color because it was trained on male-centric health data.
“If you only feed AI a certain perspective, it will only reflect that perspective back. This isn’t about ‘bad AI’—it’s about what AI is learning.”
- Kelsey Silver
The Solution: How We Can Push for Change
Diversify AI training data. Demand transparency on how AI models are built and what data they use.
Audit AI tools for bias. Business owners should evaluate how AI affects their hiring, marketing, and decision-making processes.
Use AI to advocate for inclusivity. The more diverse voices engage with AI, the more its outputs will reflect those perspectives.
💡 Key Takeaway: AI bias isn’t inevitable—it’s fixable. But only if we actively engage in shaping AI systems to be fairer and more inclusive.
Speaker: Kelsey Silver | @kelseyesilver | kelseysilver.com
Here’s a highlight clip from our live roundtable:
📌 AI’s Climate Impact & The Hidden Environmental Crisis
AI’s environmental footprint is massive—and no one is holding corporations accountable.
The Problem: AI Is Consuming Unsustainable Amounts of Energy
AI data centers consume as much electricity as small countries.
The tech industry remains silent on AI’s growing energy consumption.
AI relies on high-powered GPUs, which require intense cooling systems that drain millions of gallons of water annually.
The production of AI chips involves mining rare earth metals, contributing to environmental degradation and geopolitical conflict.
“AI needs reliable power sources, but right now, those sources are overwhelmingly fossil fuels. This isn’t sustainable.”
- Maya Stojkovich
How AI’s Energy Use is Harming the Planet
AI requires massive amounts of water and electricity to keep data centers running.
The carbon footprint of training a single large AI model is equivalent to five cars’ lifetime emissions.
Many AI companies refuse to disclose their environmental impact, keeping sustainability efforts in the dark.
“Every time AI scales up, so does its environmental cost. We are trading efficiency for sustainability, and that’s a dangerous bargain.”
- Maya Stojkovich
The Potential for AI in Climate Solutions
AI can optimize renewable energy grids, making wind and solar power more efficient.
AI-powered simulations can predict climate changes more accurately, aiding disaster preparedness.
AI-driven precision agriculture can reduce water waste and improve crop yields.
AI is being used to identify pollution sources and track deforestation in real-time.
The Solution: AI Must Be Held Accountable & Used for Good
Demand transparency from AI companies on energy use and carbon emissions.
Push for AI sustainability commitments and enforceable environmental policies.
Advocate for regulations requiring AI to transition to renewable energy and more sustainable hardware.
Encourage responsible AI development by investing in eco-friendly data center innovations.
“AI isn’t inherently bad for the environment—it depends on how we use it. We must push for AI to be part of the solution, not just the problem.”
- Maya Stojkovich
💡 Key Takeaway: AI sustainability must be part of the climate activism conversation. Sign the petition for AI accountability here!
Speaker: Maya Stojkovich | @thecoursecorrector | thecoursecorrector.com
Here’s a highlight clip from our live roundtable:
📌 AI Misinformation & The Battle for Reality
The rise of AI-generated misinformation is rapidly reshaping how people consume news, form opinions, and engage with politics—often without them even realizing it.
The Problem: Algorithms Shape Perception, Not Just Content
AI is no longer just a tool for content creation; it’s actively influencing what people believe to be true.
AI-generated deepfakes and synthetic media are becoming indistinguishable from reality.
Social media algorithms amplify AI-generated misinformation at alarming rates.
AI-powered political messaging is now hyper-personalized, reinforcing ideological bubbles.
"We could both watch the same political debate, but by the time we check our phones, we’ll see completely different ‘truths’ because of how the algorithm curates content for us."
- Michelle Wintersteen
The scariest part? Most people don’t realize this is happening.
Misinformation is no longer about one fake article going viral—it’s about an entire digital ecosystem of AI-generated content reinforcing existing beliefs.
AI doesn’t just shape content—it shapes what we perceive as reality.
The Role of Media Literacy in the AI Era
Understanding AI-driven media manipulation is now a survival skill.
Most people don’t realize their news feed is highly curated by the algorithm, creating a customized version of reality.
The same event can be spun in entirely different ways depending on the AI-driven media people consume.
AI-generated misinformation is so sophisticated that it can create false but believable narratives.
Without media literacy, people become passive consumers of algorithm-driven propaganda.
"We lost shared cultural moments. The only truly ‘live’ events left are sports and politics, but even then, the algorithm spin that follows ensures we’re never consuming the same reality."
- Michelle Wintersteen
Conscious Consumerism: The Power of Choice
Consumer choices directly influence AI development.
Every time users engage with AI-generated content, they reinforce the demand for that type of media.
Boycotting AI tools isn’t necessarily the solution—instead, using them strategically and ethically is.
Consumers vote with their attention and their dollars—where you put your money and time shapes the market.
"If we are only involved in politics around elections, we’re doing it wrong. The choices we make daily—what we buy, where we spend time online—shape the world just as much as a vote at the ballot box."
- Michelle Wintersteen
The Solution: How to Navigate AI-Driven Misinformation
Both companies and consumers have a role to play.
✅ Push for AI regulations on misinformation and deepfakes.
✅ Encourage media literacy—educate yourself and your community.
✅ Vote with your attention—support platforms and tools that align with your values.
✅ Advocate for ethical AI—hold tech companies accountable for misinformation spread.
AI isn’t just shaping politics—it’s shaping reality. If we don’t take control, someone else will.
Speaker: Michelle Wintersteen | @mkwcreative.co | mkwcreative.co
Here’s a highlight clip from our live roundtable:
📌 AI & The Creator Economy: Powering Small Business & Innovation
AI isn’t a replacement for creativity—it’s a collaborator. Small businesses, designers, and creators can leverage AI to scale their work, enhance their branding, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.
AI as a Creative Co-Pilot, Not a Replacement
One of the biggest misconceptions about AI in creative industries is the fear that it will replace human creativity. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
AI is a tool for amplification, allowing small business owners to work faster and smarter—not be replaced.
Creative entrepreneurs can use AI to generate ideas, brainstorm, and refine their work—but human expertise is still needed to direct the vision.
“AI can’t replace original thinking, but it can free up time so creators can focus on what they do best.”
- Lauren Devane
The AI Paywall: Who Controls AI Access?
While AI offers immense potential for small business owners, there are concerns about the growing AI paywall and corporate control of AI tools.
Many of the most powerful AI models are moving behind expensive subscriptions, limiting access for smaller creators.
AI companies are cozying up to political power, meaning access to AI tools could soon be dictated by corporate and governmental interests.
Lauren challenged small business owners to diversify the AI tools they use, rather than becoming dependent on a single platform.
“If you think OpenAI’s paywall is bad now, just wait. The best models will only be available to those who can afford them.”
- Lauren Devane
The Ethical Dilemma: How Do We Navigate AI’s Corporate Influence?
Entrepreneurs have a moral dilemma to face:
What do you do when the tools you rely on are controlled by companies whose values you don’t align with?
How can small business owners continue using AI ethically while staying competitive?
Are there alternatives, or do we have to choose between ethics and accessibility?
"It’s impossible to opt out of every major company that supports things we disagree with. The key is being intentional—figuring out what aligns with your values and where you draw the line."
- Lauren Devane
Here’s what you can do:
✅ Stay informed about corporate and governmental AI policies.
✅ Diversify their AI tools to avoid over-reliance on any single platform.
✅ Support ethical AI initiatives and advocate for transparency.
Speaker: Lauren Devane | @thebemusedstudio | thebemusedstudio.com
Here’s a highlight clip from our live roundtable:
📌 AI & Human Agency: The Power to Shape Our Future
There are a lot of fear-based narratives around AI, but AI is not an unstoppable force—it’s a reflection of society and the values we uphold.
Panelist Sabba Quidwai’s research and work focus on how individuals and communities can reclaim agency in an AI-driven world, ensuring that we aren’t just passive consumers of technology but active participants in shaping its development.
"Technology is not destiny. We shape our destiny." - Sabba Quidwai
AI Reflects the Biases & Values of Society
AI itself isn’t the problem—human behavior is.
AI doesn’t create misinformation, bias, or propaganda—it amplifies existing societal structures.
Conversations about bias in AI should also include discussions about bias in human systems, media, and governance.
Many people jump to discussions of AI ethics, bias, and misinformation, but hesitate to have those same difficult conversations about human systems—whether it’s political, social, or economic structures.
“AI isn’t inherently good or bad—it reflects the decisions we make as a society. It’s easy to blame AI for misinformation and bias, but humans have been doing this long before AI existed.”
- Sabba Quidwai
Human Agency in the AI Era
Sabba pushes back against AI fatalism—the idea that AI will inevitably replace jobs, dictate outcomes, or erode democracy.
People tend to fear what they don’t understand—and AI’s rapid advancement has exposed gaps in digital literacy, education, and power structures.
AI shouldn’t be seen as a force to resist, but a tool to wield strategically—one that can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
“The biggest advantage humans have is our ability to shape our own future. If we don’t, someone else will do it for us.”
- Sabba Quidwai
AI in Education: A Critical Shift is Needed
Education systems are failing to prepare people for an AI-driven world.
Schools are teaching outdated skills that don’t align with AI’s rapid development.
Young people entering the workforce today don’t have the tools to understand or leverage AI.
This failure to teach AI literacy will widen socioeconomic gaps, creating a divide between those who can harness AI’s power and those left behind.
“Education needs to shift from memorization and compliance to adaptability and creative problem-solving.”
- Sabba Quidwai
The Power of Early Adoption
Sabba encouraged business owners, educators, and entrepreneurs to lean into AI adoption rather than fear it.
Those who learn how to use AI now will shape its future applications, rather than be controlled by them.
Early adoption of new tools has historically benefited businesses and individuals—those who wait often struggle to catch up.
She pointed out that many women in AI are already leveraging AI to scale businesses, innovate, and find opportunities that didn’t exist before.
The future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we create.
Speaker: Sabba Quidwai | @askmsq | designingschools.org
Here’s a highlight clip from our live roundtable: