Kansas City Tech Leaders Work to Close Gender Gap in AI

Women in Kansas City are increasingly involved in artificial intelligence development to correct a training gap that local experts say disadvantages female users and developers.

Panelists at a recent event argued that AI models currently reflect the voices of those who built them, leaving women and other groups underserved.

Tracey Hopkins, a generative AI cybersecurity expert, noted that tools are trained on white, male voices. She explained that this creates a higher likelihood of miscommunication for users who are young, older, female, or have accents. Hopkins warned that if such systems are used in critical services like 911 dispatch, the bias can cause tangible harm.

Dr. Cheryl Cooper, a cybersecurity specialist, emphasized the need for diverse teams throughout the AI lifecycle. Cooper stated that when everyone is included in the innovation process, the resulting technology benefits a wider population.

National data supports the local observations regarding this disparity. UN Women reports that women make up only 22% of AI professionals globally and fewer than 14% of senior AI leadership positions. A recent study by the Harvard Kennedy School found that employed women are less likely than men to report access to AI training and mentorship. The study also found that men appear in AI news headlines 14.6 times more often than women and are cited as experts 4.3 times more frequently.

Maliha Khan, CEO and founder of Khanect the Dots, urged women to remain engaged in the sector despite these barriers. Khan, who recently received the Kansas City AI Club’s Women’s AI Champion Award, said that ignoring AI does not help anyone. She argued that women must be informed and present in decision-making rooms to ensure their input shapes the technology.

The Kansas City AI Club and Kansas City Women in Technology hosted a panel at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus to discuss these issues. October is designated as Women in AI Month, and local groups are using the timeframe to increase visibility.

The AI Club recently honored five women, including Khan, Amy Coleman-Miller, Kalli Jordan, Sweta Sinha, and Dr. Nikki Harding, at its inaugural Women in AI Awards. The organization received nominations for 39 local women who are leading in the AI space.

Khan is also establishing a Kansas City hub for the nonprofit Women Applying AI. She described the hub as a space for women to share knowledge and reduce the fear and overwhelm associated with new technology. The group aims to create a comfortable environment where participants at various skill levels can learn from one another.

The Kansas City AI Expo 2026 will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at The Mint in Lenexa. The event will feature exhibitor spaces and technology demos.