Attendees
- Harold Fitrer, Communities in Schools
- Jen Kostyniuk, Dominion Energy
- Andy Poach – Alliance Group
- Van Wood – VCU School of Business
- David Kitchen – University of Richmond
- Rebecca Ivins, Hourigan
- Taikein Cooper, Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation
- Will Melton, Xponent21, Richmond Water
Meeting Summary
Meeting Audio Auto-Transcribed by Adobe Premier Pro, Summarized by ChatGPT, Minor Edits:
Meeting Summary: The meeting involved a discussion among participants with expertise in various fields, including technology, education, and international business. The participants engaged in a conversation about the impact of technology, particularly AI and machine learning, on various aspects of society.
Here are some key points discussed during the meeting:
- Use of Voice Features: One participant mentioned using voice features on ChatGPT. They discussed how this feature allowed them to quickly brainstorm ideas and store information for later use.
- Creativity and AI: The conversation touched upon the idea that AI technology enables individuals not only to consume information but also to create and teach. The example of creating courses and teaching them using AI was highlighted.
- Language Translation: Participants discussed the potential of AI-driven language translation, which could eliminate language barriers and facilitate communication across different languages and cultures.
- Impact on Different Sectors: The meeting highlighted the transformative potential of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, education, engineering, and more. It was noted that integrating technology effectively into these sectors is crucial for positive outcomes.
- Trust in Technology: The participants emphasized the importance of trust in technology, especially in sectors like telemedicine. Building trust among users is essential for the successful adoption of AI-driven solutions.
- Regulation and Policy: The conversation briefly touched on the need for regulation and policy in the AI field, particularly in terms of ethics and standards of use. There was a recognition that this would be a complex and ongoing process.
- Richmond’s Role in Technology: The participants discussed the potential for Richmond, presumably a geographic location, to play a significant role in the technology sector. They talked about positioning the city as a resource for policymakers and addressing the challenges and opportunities of technological advancement.
In conclusion, the meeting revolved around the wide-ranging implications of AI and technology in various fields, with an emphasis on trust, regulation, and the potential for societal advancement through responsible technological adoption. There was enthusiasm for continuing the discussions.
Key Takeaways
- Technology’s Transformative Impact: The participants recognized that AI and technology have the potential to profoundly transform various sectors, from healthcare to education and beyond. This transformation can lead to improved efficiency, accessibility, and innovation.
- Trust is Vital: Building trust in AI and technology is critical. Users need to trust the technology for it to be adopted effectively. This trust includes trust in the accuracy, privacy, and ethical use of AI systems.
- Globalization and Communication: The conversation acknowledged that technology, particularly the internet, has bridged global communication gaps. This has led to globalization, which has both positive and negative consequences.
- Regulation and Ethics: There was a recognition of the need for regulation and ethical guidelines in the AI field. As AI continues to advance, policymakers need to address issues related to data privacy, ethics, and responsible AI development.
- Role of Richmond: Richmond, the city mentioned in the discussion, was seen as having the potential to play a significant role in the technology sector. It could contribute to technology-related discussions, policy development, and positioning itself as a resource for policymakers.
Key Statements
- “It’s like, this is just insane that, you know, somebody who doesn’t know anything about education could go and create a course and teach it.” Will Melton
- “The Tower of Babel will probably, you know, be a thing of the past. You’ll be able to speak and understand in any language, because it will be your language, of course, but it’ll be immediately understood, which I think is a huge breakthrough.” Van Wood
- “What if we were to think about it not through the lens of who’s going to be at risk of losing your job, but what opportunities exist for humanity in the future to be more vibrant and what roles to play.” Will melton
- “The regulation aspect is going to be important. Trust and regulation go hand-in-hand. Regulation is a very difficult thing when it comes to the ethical standards of use.” David Kitchen
- “Richmond’s on the map. It’s like a renaissance for Richmond, I think. And we’ve got the potential to be a player in this technology.”
- “The speed at which this is taking place is ultimately, I guess, my maximum concern is in our ability to adapt effectively quickly enough to actually meet the change.” David Kitchen
Questions Posed In the Meeting
- What about our political representatives? Has anyone heard if they’re talking about AI regulation?
- Any ideas about the safety aspects of AI?
- What about the nonprofit boards we serve on? Are they talking about AI’s implications?
- How is AI integration being approached in different sectors?
- What sectors are likely to benefit from AI, and which ones might be at risk?
- What resources do we need to prepare people for the changes AI will bring to the workforce?
- Are there any specific opportunities for humanity in AI’s development?
- How can we build trust in AI technology, especially in rural areas?
- What role does regulation play in AI, and how can we address it?
- Has anyone heard if any organizations are taking the lead in AI regulation?
Current Stakeholders
| Name | Organization |
| Andy Poarch | The Alliance Group |
| Angela Oakes | Greater Richmond Partnership |
| Beth Vann-Turnbull | Housing Families First |
| Brittany Herndon | ASM Global – Richmond |
| David Kitchen | University of Richmond |
| Harold Fitrer | Communities in Schools |
| Jeff MacDonald | Mekanism |
| Jen Kostyniuk | Dominion Energy |
| Jennifer Wakefield | Greater Richmond Partnership |
| Moses Foster | West Cary Group |
| Nick Serfass | RVATech |
| Rasheeda N. Creighton | JWC Foundation |
| Rebecca Ivins | Hourigan Construction |
| Richard Foster | Virginia Business Magazine |
| Taikein Cooper | RPS Education Foundation |
| Van Wood | VCU School of Business |
| Victor Rogers | Sustainable Growth Creative LLC |
| Will Melton | Xponent21 |
| Ken Ampy | Astyra |