Celebrating the diverse journeys of women in AI: A conversation with Aoife Young

Aoife Young, our Talent Development Coordinator, shares her thoughts on how to encourage more women to join the industry. She also reflects on what inspired her journey into AI and what excites her about its future.

1.No two journeys into AI are the same. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

I really love learning from people. Working in the People team, I get to see how unique everyone is and how much we can learn from each other. AI feels like a way to take that understanding and apply it in a new, exciting way – creating tools that can make a real difference in how we connect, communicate, and grow. It’s all about using technology to help people be their best.

2. AI is still a male-dominated industry. Have you faced any gender-related obstacles, and how have you overcome them?

While I'm not directly working with AI itself, I've faced my own set of challenges. What’s helped me is focusing on my strengths – like being a good listener and bringing compassion into everything I do. These qualities are sometimes overlooked but are so important in a company that’s driven by technology. By leaning into these strengths and using them to build connections, I’ve been able to show the value of diverse perspectives in creating a more inclusive and innovative environment.

3. For young women looking to enter AI, what advice would you give them to thrive in this industry?

I would say never stop asking questions. The industry is constantly evolving, and the best way to learn is by staying curious and challenging yourself to dig deeper. Don’t be afraid to speak up, even if you’re unsure. Your perspective matters. Be open to asking for and receiving feedback, it helps us grow, improve skills, builds confidence and fosters strong relationships. Also, say yes to opportunities, even if they push you outside your comfort zone. The more you embrace challenges and stay open to learning, the more you’ll thrive.

4. What steps can we take to ensure more women see AI as a viable and exciting career path?

I think if we have more women sharing stories about what makes the work rewarding, it can inspire the next generation. As the saying goes, "What we can't see, we can't be." By making their journeys visible, they give others the confidence to pursue AI and believe that it’s a space where they can succeed and make an impact.

5. What are you most excited to see in the future of AI? 

I'm really excited to see how AI can help free up more time for creative work. Using technology to take care of all the repetitive, manual tasks means we’ll have more time to focus on things that require creativity and innovation. It’s changing the way we work, giving us the space to think bigger and do more of what we love.

Keep an eye out for more stories about the women at Faculty who help shape what we do.