Five women lead the way in AI progress in Chile

From different fields and roles, Chilean women are pushing the limits of Artificial Intelligence in the country. Although their experiences are varied, they all agree that there is little development of women in this area and there is a need to promote female leadership in AI. 

The mass use of Artificial Intelligence has been the major technological phenomenon of recent years. However, amidst the news of the possibilities arising from these tools and the competition among their leading developers, an uncomfortable truth remains hidden: the low participation of women in this progress, a reflection of the historical gender gap in the STEM sector. 

Although this difference in participation is replicated in Chile, there are several women who are currently at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence, whether from the public sphere, entrepreneurship or research.  

An article in La Tercera recounts their stories and their vision of how this phenomenon is taking hold in Chile: 

Marcela Ruiz 

Founder and CEO of Acústica Marina, Marcela won the Woman in Tech award in Dubai for her disruptive use of AI in underwater sound measurement and monitoring. 

Her startup uses AI to identify the source of underwater sound waves, helping to control noise pollution and prevent ship collisions with whales. 

She is also vice president of the Chilean Association of Women in Artificial Intelligence (Asociación Chilena de Mujeres en Inteligencia Artificial), where she promotes the visibility of women in STEM disciplines. 

Claudia López 

A civil computer engineer, she holds a PhD in information sciences and is professor at the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTFSM). She specializes in human-centered computing and computer interaction. 

Lopez highlights the importance of gender equity in AI to avoid bias in algorithms and advocates for an increase in female representation in STEM careers, highlighting the growth of women in computer engineering. 

Bárbara Silva 

President of the Senate’s Artificial Intelligence Development and Industry Technical Roundtable and founder of Her Global Impact, Bárbara works on the creation of regulations for the use of AI in Chile. 

She believes in the need for policies that promote investment in research, talent training and public-private sector collaboration. 

She also works to boost the visibility of women in technology to inspire new generations. 

Marina Tannenbaum 

Partner at Easybots, one of the first Chilean companies to use AI. With 10 years of experience, her work consists of helping other companies to incorporate AI into their operations. 

Tannenbaum is critical of Chile’s delay in adopting AI but is optimistic about the growing number of women entering STEM careers. 

She also highlights the courage of women who enter male-dominated fields. 

Paulina Assmann 

CEO of SeQure Quantum and astrophysicist, Paulina is a key name in quantum research and cybersecurity in Chile. 

Formerly Ministerial Science Secretary (Seremi), she advocates for greater female representation in STEM. She emphasizes the need to promote the participation of women in these areas to avoid bias in the design of technology products and services, highlighting the importance of female inclusion in AI and cybersecurity research. 

Did you know that foreign companies in Chile stand out for their contribution to women in the workplace? Recruiting and retaining women, as well as people from diverse backgrounds, can make companies more productive and efficient, creating a healthier operating environment. Companies in various industries have become aware of this and are promoting policies to encourage female participation.