Renée Cummings, an accomplished figure in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), data ethics, and technology, has made significant contributions to the intersection of technology, power, and society. Let’s delve into her life story:
Upbringing:
Renée Cummings spent her formative years in Maplewood, New Jersey.
She likely developed her passion for technology and data during this time.
Her upbringing laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.
Education:
Cummings pursued higher education at the Howe School at Stevens Institute of Technology.
She majored in business and information technology, which provided her with a solid foundation.
Her educational journey equipped her to navigate the complex world of data science.
Professional Life:
Data Activist-in-Residence:
Renée Cummings holds the distinction of being the first data activist-in-residence at the University of Virginia’s (UVA) School of Data Science.
At UVA, she was named Professor of Practice in Data Science.
Her work focuses on data justice, data trauma, algorithmic policing, surveillance technology, and AI for criminal justice reform.
She actively explores the ethical implications of data on society, emphasizing the impact of AI on duty of care and due process.
Cummings aims to build ethically resilient, rewarding, responsible, sustainable, justice-oriented, and trauma-informed AI for the benefit of all.
Her research also involves enhancing police accountability, transparency, and decision-making accuracy through community engagement and public interest technology.
She champions inclusive innovation and ethical AI, emphasizing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Brookings Institution and World Economic Forum:
Cummings is a nonresident senior fellow at The Brookings Institution.
She is also a distinguished member of the World Economic Forum’s Data Equity Council.
Her expertise extends to areas such as AI leadership, AI policy development, AI governance, and AI risk management.
She actively contributes to discussions on public sector AI and AI crisis communication.
Community Scholar and Advocacy:
Beyond academia, Cummings is a community scholar at Columbia University.
She advocates for the historically underrepresented in STEM and technological advancement.
Her activism amplifies the voices of vulnerable communities in AI and emerging technologies.
Through her work, she empowers people without power to participate in shaping AI’s future.
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Renée Cummings exemplifies the transformative potential of ethical AI and data science, advocating for justice, equality, and empowerment.