Top expertise
Digital & AI Literacy
Accessible AI Education
Digital Inclusion & Equity in Tech
Technology Adoption Strategy
Ethical AI & Societal Impact
Learning & Development in Tech
We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Kara Kennedy as one of our esteemed panelists for the inaugural HerAIStory Launch Event: AI Unveiled!
As the founder of the AI Literacy Institute, she champions accessible resources and training, and currently manages a Google.org grant-funded AI literacy program in New Zealand, where she sees the critical need to close the digital and AI divide.
Kara will contribute her unique perspective on AI literacy, focusing on understanding AI’s real-world applications and navigating the digital transformation. She will share invaluable insights on how to ethically use AI tools and how to build essential skills for everyone, from students to professionals.
Biography
Dr. Kara Kennedy is a distinguished independent scholar, author, and dedicated educator, renowned for her expertise in digital and AI literacy, technology, and science fiction. Driven by a profound commitment to making technology understandable for all, she founded the AI Literacy Institute. Through this initiative, Kara tirelessly develops accessible resources, conducts impactful research, and provides crucial training and consulting services, all aimed at fostering universal AI literacy.
Currently, Kara is a pivotal figure in managing a Google.org grant-funded AI literacy program in New Zealand. Her work in this area provides her with unique, real-world insights into the country's specific needs, particularly the continuing urgency to close the digital and AI divide and address the gender gap in technology. She is a passionate advocate for equitable access to AI knowledge and skills.
Kara brings a rich and diverse professional background to her current endeavors. Her experience as a Business Analyst and Digital Experience Portfolio Manager has equipped her with a strong foundation in understanding how technology interfaces with business processes and user needs. Coupled with her extensive background in education and disability support, she excels at demystifying complex concepts and creating inclusive learning environments. Her expertise further extends to key areas such as stakeholder management, project management, and user experience (UX), ensuring that her approach to AI literacy is both comprehensive and practical.
Beyond her work in AI, Dr. Kennedy is also recognised for her scholarship in science fiction, which informs her nuanced understanding of technology's societal impact and future possibilities. Her multifaceted career reflects a deep dedication to empowering individuals to confidently navigate and shape their place in the evolving digital landscape.