Vivianne Bendermacher

The advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are moving at lightning speed. If you miss a week of tech news, you’re likely already behind on the latest tools. In such a fast-paced environment, it can be difficult to determine where you stand: should you be excited about AI, or is there cause for concern? In other words, is AI a dream or a nightmare?

To answer this question, Vivianne Bendermacher has enlisted the help of… AI, of course! She has created AI-Avatars, or Video Twins as she likes to call them, of herself, and these artificial alter egos will assist her and the audience in taking a stance.

Vivianne in Black – The Critical Voice: Her AI alter ego, Vivianne in Black, is programmed to focus on the negative aspects of AI. She highlights risks, ethical dilemmas, and potential dangers, helping the audience stay grounded and not get carried away by the possibilities of AI.

Vivianne in White – The Optimistic Perspective: In contrast, Vivianne in White is prompted to see the opportunities. She is optimistic about the future and views AI as a tool to help and even enhance humanity. She encourages the audience not to be limited by fear and pessimism.

Reporter Vivianne – The Objective Insights: Then there is Reporter Vivianne, who has engaged in objective conversations with relevant experts and brings the most striking or inspiring quotes to the stage.

The Real Vivianne – Nuance and Interaction: And finally, there is the real Vivianne in the flesh. She provides nuance and interaction, guiding the audience through various domains tailored to their interests; from healthcare to education, from finance to creativity, and everything in between. By the end of the talk, we will be closer to answering the most pressing question of our time: is AI a dream or a nightmare?

For Whom?
This talk is perfect for anyone interested in the impact of AI on our society. Whether you are a professional in technology, education, finance, healthcare, a policymaker, an ethicist, a student, or simply a curious mind, this talk offers valuable insights. It is a must for anyone who wants to understand how AI can shape our world and what we can do to steer the future in the right direction.

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

The Influence of AI on Our Daily Lives: In a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly impacts our daily lives, a pressing question arises: how unbiased are these systems? During the captivating talk ‘Unmasking: The Invisible Biases in AI,’ Vivianne takes you on an in-depth exploration of this critical issue.

What to Expect

Vivianne’s Insights
Vivianne dissects the complex world of algorithms and data. She explains how biases find their way into AI systems and the consequences this has for society. With engaging examples and clear explanations, she demonstrates how subtle biases can have a significant impact.

The Unique Role of VivAInne
But Vivianne does not come alone. She is accompanied by her unique AI avatar, VivAInne. VivAInne acts as the conscience of AI and offers a unique insight into the inner workings of AI systems. This artificial alter ego of Vivianne explains how she, as an AI, can become biased. She takes us under the hood to show which processes can introduce biases and what can be done to mitigate these prejudices.

Practical Examples and Solutions
The talk not only provides a critical look at the problems but also presents practical solutions and strategies to combat bias in AI. From technical adjustments to ethical considerations, Vivianne and VivAInne demonstrate how we can work together to create fairer and more transparent AI systems.

For Whom?
This talk is a must for anyone interested in understanding the influence of AI on our lives. Whether you are a professional, student, policymaker, or simply a curious mind, ‘Unmasking: The Invisible Biases in AI’ offers valuable knowledge and inspiration.

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

Where Are the Women in ICT and Tech?
In the Netherlands, significantly fewer women choose a career in ICT and tech compared to other parts of the world. But why is this? And is it really a problem? Many people think that women simply choose not to work in these sectors, but the reality is more complex.

Vivianne Bendermacher – Advocate for Diversity in Tech
Vivianne Bendermacher, former Managing Director and co-founder of Techionista, an organization that successfully promoted diversity in the tech industry for years, offers insight into this issue. With extensive experience in the technology and education sectors, Vivianne is a passionate advocate for more diversity, equality, and inclusion in tech. Techionista helped women develop into data and AI specialists and provided practical solutions and training to prepare women for the tech world.

Why is Diversity Important?
Vivianne explains why diversity in the tech sector is crucial for innovation and progress. She discusses how a lack of diverse perspectives can lead to one-sided products and services, and how inclusivity contributes to more creative and effective solutions.

The Causes of Lack of Diversity
The talk addresses the various causes of the lack of diversity, including historical and cultural factors, stereotypes, and unconscious biases. Vivianne provides insight into the barriers women face when entering the tech industry, from education and upbringing to corporate culture and recruitment.

The Dangers of Homogeneity
What are the potential dangers of a sector dominated by a homogeneous group? Vivianne discusses the risks, such as biases in AI and machine learning, and how these can lead to unfair and unreliable technologies. She shows how unconscious biases can be embedded in systems that affect millions of people.

For Whom?
This talk is essential for anyone involved in the tech industry, including business leaders, HR professionals, technology experts, policymakers, and educational institutions. It offers valuable insights and practical tips for anyone who wants to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive future in tech.

In Summary
In this in-depth and inspiring talk, Vivianne Bendermacher takes you through the world of diversity in the tech sector. She explains where the lack of diversity comes from, what the potential dangers are, and, more importantly, how we can work together to create a more inclusive and just tech world.

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes