Women AI Labs

07/18/2026

🚀 Happening TODAY — AI Equity Hackathon 2026!
The wait is over! Today we're bringing together builders, learners, and changemakers to close the equity gap in AI — and you're invited to join us live.
Whether you're a developer, designer, student, or simply passionate about making AI more inclusive, there's a seat for you at the table.
💻 Join us on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85135146131?pwd=TLrbLnismFaReGzauhGRMh977SgaX4.1
Come for the ideas, stay for the community. Let's build a more equitable AI future — together.
Hosted by WomenAILabs 💜

07/01/2026

Most stories about a new organization get written after it succeeds — after the sponsors, the crowd, the polished photos.
This one is written before any of that exists.
I'm building WomenAILabs from the very beginning: a Chicago community where women, non-binary technologists, and allies use AI to solve real fairness problems — faster and more openly than the systems we're trying to fix.
No big budget. No crowd yet. Just me, and an invitation.
Because here's what I keep coming back to: if AI is going to shape the next century, the people who've felt unfairness firsthand need to be in the room building it — not as an afterthought, but as founders.
Our first move is a two-day VibeCode build sprint on July 18–19, in Chicago and online. I'm recruiting the founding team, mentors, judges, and sponsors right now. Nothing's locked yet — that's not a weakness, that's your opening.
I'm not recruiting titles. I'm asking one question: what can you help us get done before July 18?
My full founding letter is here 👉 https://womenailabs.org/news/building-womenailabs-chicago-founding-call
Read it. Then tell me you're in. 👇

WomenAILabs founder Dawn C. Simmons on building a Chicago community where women and allies use AI to fight bias — and the call to join before July 18.

06/30/2026

AI now helps decide who gets hired, treated, approved, and trusted. When women are missing from the data, the system is broken before it ships. 💔
Women AI Labs exists to fix that — and we're looking for people who want to build with us.
You don't need a PhD or a famous employer. You need the belief that the systems shaping our lives should be built by all of us. 🙌
👉 Find your role: https://womenailabs.org/get-involved

06/29/2026

-You don't have to wait for permission — or pay — to build a career in tech. 💜
Some of the biggest companies in the world are offering free programs for women right now: mentorship, scholarships, AI training, and global community. We rounded up the best ones in one place.
✨ AWS She Builds — free 12-week mentorship with AWS pros (closes TOMORROW, June 30!)

✨ AI Skills 4 Women by Founderz × Microsoft — free AI course + a Microsoft credential, no tech background needed

✨ IBM SkillsBuild — 1,000+ free courses with real digital credentials

✨ Google Women Techmakers — free community + scholarship
Plus a few more grants and accelerators worth bookmarking.
The biggest barrier for women in AI isn't talent — it's access. These programs help level that, and they cost nothing.
👉 Read the full guide (deadlines + how to apply):https://womenailabs.org/news/free-programs-empowering-women-in-tech-2026
Share this with a woman who'd benefit. 🙌

06/29/2026

⏰ Heads up — this deadline is TOMORROW.
Amazon Web Services is offering a free 12-week global mentorship program for women in tech, and applications close June 30.
You'll be matched with an experienced AWS mentor for career guidance, leadership development, and networking with women in tech around the world. No certifications needed, open to everyone from students to career changers to seasoned developers.
We believe the biggest barrier for women in AI and cloud isn't ability — it's access. Programs like this help level that, and it costs nothing but a few minutes to apply.
Don't wait until the last minute. 💜
👉 Read more and apply: https://womenailabs.org/news/aws-she-builds-women-mentorship-2026
Share this with a woman in your life who'd benefit. 🙌

06/19/2026

This speech is so very wonderful!! Michelle Obama is grace, elegance and strength!! Barack Obama we thank you for being the leader of Hope! The Obama Foundation and Obama Presidential Library is our destination dream. We want to celebrate and International Women’s Day inspired by your work at your amazing epic Presidential Center in South Chicago!!

06/19/2026

06/09/2026

🚨 BIG NEWS: Women of AI Is Launching 🚨

We are planning something bold.

The future of AI should not take 123 years to reach gender representation and equity. We believe we can help move the dial faster — through focus, education, innovation, leadership, and action.

That is why we are launching Women of AI: Fix the Algorithm — a growing movement focused on bringing more women into the future of AI design, leadership, governance, innovation, and impact.

⚡ We are organizing for Chicago Innovation and the world:
🔹 Pop-Up Innovation Labs starting
🔹 Hybrid & Virtual Hackathons
🔹 Executive Leadership Panels
🔹 AI Governance Discussions
🔹 Mentorship & Community Events
🔹 “Move the Dial” initiatives leading to March 2027

Chicago pilot concepts are already beginning, including a new pop-up innovation lab model and virtual panel discussions now forming.

Now we need your help. We are looking to connect with:

🤝 Companies & Sponsors
🏛️ Universities & Innovation Labs
💡 Entrepreneurs & Startups
🌎 Best Practice Communities
🎤 Speakers, Mentors & Volunteers
🚀 Leaders who want to help shape responsible AI

Would you help us spread the word?
Please:
✅ Follow the page
✅ Invite others
✅ Share this post
✅ Introduce us to organizations or leaders who should be involved

Contact Dawn C Simmons (Khan) or join the page to help organize, collaborate, and build something meaningful together.

Because there is NO reason the future of AI should wait 123 years for women to be fully represented in shaping it.
https://lnkd.in/ghm5947a

Let’s build the future together. 🚀
hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag