Meet the Speaker — Irene Liu
Irene Liu is the CEO and Founder at Hypergrowth GC and the Executive in Residence at UC Berkeley School of Law. She is speaking on a panel at WITS Spring 2024 Summit on “Empowering Responsible AI: A Balanced Approach for the Future”.
Why is speaking at WITS important to you?
Speaking at WITS is a remarkable opportunity to support and be part of a movement that champions inclusivity and empowerment in an industry where women’s voices need to be heard louder and clearer. My journey in tech, law, and government, particularly in AI and startup ecosystems, has taught me the power of diversity in driving innovation and growth, and WITS offers the platform to share insights, learn from others, and contribute to breaking down barriers for women in tech.
What or who inspires you?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy as a steadfast advocate for gender equality deeply inspires me, especially as a legal executive in the tech industry. Her strategic litigation against gender discrimination and her role in shaping legal precedents for equality resonate with the challenges we face in tech (and AI), where diversity and inclusion are paramount. Her work reminds us that change is achievable through persistence and belief in equality, guiding principles for addressing gender disparities in technology and beyond.
Most useful article you’ve read in the last month
The recent article on OpenAI’s Sora product in The New York Times highlights a significant leap in AI’s capabilities, particularly in AI video generation, heralding a new era where creating high-quality, realistic video content is within arm’s reach for a wide range of users.
However, this rapid advancement also raises critical questions about policy and regulation. How can policymakers keep up with the pace of AI’s evolution like Sora? It’s imperative that we consider not just the technological capabilities but also the ethical implications, such as privacy concerns, copyright issues, and the potential for misinformation. As we navigate this exciting yet challenging landscape, it’s essential for ongoing dialogue among technologists, legal experts, and policymakers to ensure that we harness AI’s potential responsibly and equitably.
When you were a kid, what was your dream job?
As a child, I was fascinated by the stars and the vastness of space, dreaming of becoming an astronaut. The idea of exploring uncharted territories and the unknown captivated me. Although my career path led me to law and technology rather than outer space, the core of that childhood dream — to explore, discover, and push boundaries — still motivates me today.
Tell us something about your session
In our panel “Empowering Responsible AI: A Balanced Approach for the Future,” we will delve into essential strategies and frameworks for ethically deploying AI technologies. We will help explain the ever-evolving regulatory landscape to help businesses navigate compliance while staying at the forefront of ethical AI deployment. We’ll also explore practical strategies for developing products with safety and ethical considerations at the forefront to ensure companies are prepared for the future.
What other sessions or speakers are you most excited to see?
I am looking forward to the “Start building with AI today” session led by Helen Lee-Kupp, the co-founder of Women Defining AI and members of WDAI, mainly for the practical skills it will impart to help reduce the gender disparity in the AI field. A hands-on approach is crucial for breaking down barriers and misconceptions about AI, making it accessible and comprehensible to a broader audience. By encouraging participants from all backgrounds to build with AI, this session will ensure that women have equal opportunities to engage with and shape the future of AI technology.
To hear from Irene and all the other amazing women in tech speaking at WITS Spring 2024 Summit, register here.
