Sophia Velastegui, an experienced AI leader and NSF advisor, advocates for diversity in AI development. Drawing from her work at major tech companies, she emphasises the need for ethical frameworks and diverse AI councils in companies. Velastegui stresses the importance of female representation to address bias and ensure varied perspectives in AI systems.

**For tech companies and AI-focused businesses:** You must prioritize diversity in your AI development teams. Establish ethical frameworks and diverse AI councils to mitigate bias and enhance product quality. Failing to do so may result in flawed AI systems, potential PR disasters, and missed market opportunities. Consider implementing mentorship programs and targeted recruitment strategies to increase female representation in your AI teams. This approach will likely lead to more comprehensive problem-solving and innovative solutions that cater to a broader user base.

Expect increased scrutiny on AI companies' diversity practices. Regulatory bodies may introduce guidelines or requirements for diverse representation in AI development teams. You'll likely see a rise in AI ethics consultancies and third-party auditors specializing in bias detection. Prepare for potential talent wars as companies compete for diverse AI professionals. Consider forming partnerships with educational institutions to nurture a diverse AI talent pipeline. Those who lead in ethical, diverse AI development may gain significant competitive advantages, including enhanced brand reputation and broader market appeal.