Wednesday, October 23rd
Hosted by Nikayda Harris
In a time of uncertainty and rapid technological change, digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), fuel excitement and anxiety. Some hail AI as the key to a utopian future, while others warn it could drastically disrupt our world. But amidst all this noise, one crucial voice often gets lost: youth.
This event is about you. I want to know how young people genuinely feel about AI. How do you see AI shaping the future of work, education, and society? What role can youth play in influencing AI development and regulation?
Join me for an evening of food, conversation, and community-building as we dive into these questions and explore the future together. This will be a casual, open discussion where youth from diverse backgrounds can share their perspectives. Whether deeply invested in these issues or simply curious, no prior knowledge or experience with activism is required.
Come ready to share, be challenged, and have fun! Let’s amplify youth voices and discover how we can shape the future of AI and society.
Nikayda Harris is an alumna of the Cansbridge Fellowship and the 1834 Foundation’s Policy Fellowship. She is currently a fourth-year student in Carleton University's Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management program, specializing in international relations and conflict management.
As a global social impact leader Nikayda has experiences that have taken her around the world from advocating for youth rights in South Africa to championing climate justice in Singapore. Her passion for community work and advocacy led to the co-founding of Carleton University’s Black Students in Public Affairs Association (BSPA) alongside Fariba Al-Hassan to support and mentor the next generation of Black change makers.
Nikayda's background in advocacy, digital technology policy, and data analytics has nurtured a profound interest in AI policy. She is committed to advancing AI ethics and fostering greater youth involvement in shaping AI's ethical implementation.
Her dedication extends beyond her academic pursuits, previously volunteering to organize the MILA AI and Human Rights Conference in Montreal. Nikayda currently contributes her expertise to Canada's Department of National Defence as a policy analyst, focusing on the ethical use of AI in military contexts and conflict zones.
Looking ahead, Nikayda is eager to leverage her experiences in digital technology policy, community building, and social impact to empower more young voices in the ethical deployment of AI.