She Shapes AI: Rewriting the future of technology

Imagine a world where artificial intelligence doesn't just serve the few but works for everyone. Where the technology shaping our future reflects the full spectrum of human experience, not just a narrow slice of it. This isn’t a utopian dream; it’s the mission driving Dr Julia Stamm and her groundbreaking organisation, She Shapes AI.

“Right now, we’re not using AI to its fullest potential,” Julia explains, “and we’re not bringing in all the perspectives needed to shape AI that works for everyone.” It’s a problem she’s uniquely positioned to solve.

A bridge-builder by design

Dr Julia Stamm has spent nearly two decades building bridges – between technology and policy, between innovation and social impact, between what’s possible and what’s necessary. Her journey with the Hertie School exemplifies this bridge-building approach: first as a student earning her Executive Master in Public Management (now the Executive Master of Public Administration), then as a lecturer sharing her expertise, later serving as Co-Chair of the Hertie School Alumni Council, and most recently joining as a Fellow at the Centre for Digital Governance this spring. From the European Commission to the G20 and beyond, she’s navigated leadership roles that span sectors and continents. But her latest venture might be her most important yet.

As founder and CEO of She Shapes AI, Julia builds a global ecosystem that’s changing how we think about artificial intelligence. Her approach is refreshingly straightforward: “We go beyond the hype to highlight the amazing things AI can achieve when done well.”

The magic triangle

Julia calls it the “magic triangle” – the intersection of female AI leadership and entrepreneurship, responsible development, and real-world social impact. It’s where She Shapes AI focusses its energy, and for good reason.

“AI is based on data and shaped by different perspectives and lived experiences,” she notes. “If we only input a limited set of experiences and data, we will build systems that only reflect those limited views. That’s not helpful for the kind of future we want to build.”

The solution? Amplify the voices that have been largely missing from the conversation. She Shapes AI is the leading catalyst for women-led responsible AI innovation globally, uniting leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and partners through awards, thought leadership, educational offerings, and high-impact events.

Beyond buzzwords

In a world saturated with AI hype, She Shapes AI cuts through the noise. "We highlight how AI can address real-world problems rather than just using AI as a buzzword," Julia emphasises. “We want this technology to be relevant, to be grounded in human values, and to genuinely serve people and the planet by finding solutions to concrete, real problems.”

This isn’t about technology for technology’s sake; it’s about harnessing AI’s potential to create meaningful change, beyond automation and increased efficiency. Through their flagship She Shapes AI Awards, the call for nominations for the second edition will open this October. The organisation spotlights women from around the globe who are establishing responsible standards for AI development and employing the technology to solve concrete problems.

Building together

Despite focussing on women’s leadership in the AI space, Julia is clear that this isn’t about exclusion. “I don’t want this to be perceived as a purely women-only organisation,” she says. “We need to build this together – we need to build AI together, and the future of our societies together. This is not something we can leave to Silicon Valley."

The organisation welcomes male allies, collaborates with other communities, businesses and nonprofits, and recognises that impact comes from many sources. “At the end of the day, it’s about AI that works for everyone,” Julia explains. “Many impactful applications are being developed by men, and we want to showcase their work too.” But She Shapes AI also specifically aims to help close the funding gap for female entrepreneurs.

A movement in motion

Just one year since its founding, She Shapes AI is already making waves. The organisation operates with a passionate team and the support of advisers, as well as volunteers who share the urgency of their mission. The event in Brussels in September brought together more voices committed to shaping AI’s future responsibly. Furthermore, She Shapes AI is just launching its first regional hub, SSAI Asia.

Julia’s work has earned international recognition – she’s received the Digital Female Leader Award in the Global Hero category and has been recognised as a Responsible Leader by the BMW Foundation. But perhaps more importantly, she’s building something that could reshape how we approach one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

The future is now

“We are not starting from scratch,” Julia reflects. “We have been observing and engaging with this space for years. Now it is time to join forces, support each other, and achieve our bigger goals.”

At She Shapes AI, they’re proving that when artificial intelligence is developed with diverse perspectives, ethical standards, and real-world impact in mind, everyone benefits. They’re not just imagining a better future – they’re building it, one innovation at a time.

The question isn’t whether AI will shape our future. It’s whether we’ll ensure that the future includes everyone.

Ready to be part of the change? Learn more about She Shapes AI’s upcoming events and She Shapes AI Global Awards programme, opening for nominations this October – www.sheshapes.ai/awards. Because when we shape AI responsibly, we shape a better world for everyone.