Open source and AI: Shaping the future of tech with inclusivity in mind

Practical tips for developers to foster diversity and drive change in open source communities.

Lisa-Marie Namphy, head of developer relations at Intuit and a CNCF Ambassador, sat down with the All Things Open team to share her insights on open source, diversity, inclusion, and the impact of AI in technology. With over 12 years of experience running open source communities, Lisa highlights how open source has played a pivotal role in her career and the careers of many others. She emphasizes that open source can level the playing field, offering equal access to opportunities for everyone.

In her conversation on AI, Lisa highlights the technology’s potential to disrupt industries but also warns of its risks, particularly in exacerbating existing wealth gaps. She points to a McKenzie report on how AI could widen the divide between African-American and white communities in the U.S. and stresses the importance of intentional, thoughtful development to ensure AI benefits all.

Lisa also offers advice for promoting inclusivity in open source communities, noting that diversity doesn’t happen on its own. Active efforts are needed to bring diverse voices into the conversation and create a welcoming space for all contributors.

Finally, Lisa encourages conference attendees to take action after learning new concepts. Rather than returning to business as usual, she urges them to implement tangible changes in their work to create meaningful impact.

Read more: Why trust and transparency matter for inclusive AI development

Key takeaways

• Open source offers equal opportunities and career growth, enabling individuals to make significant contributions in tech.
• AI brings both opportunities and risks, particularly in terms of diversity. Thoughtful, inclusive development is critical.
• Inclusivity in open source requires intentional action to involve diverse voices and foster an equitable community.

Conclusion

Lisa-Marie Namphy’s insights underline the importance of intentionality in both open source and AI development. Her insights on diversity and inclusion highlight the need for intentional action to address disparities and bring more diverse voices into tech spaces. By actively promoting diversity and applying lessons learned, developers can drive positive, lasting change in their communities and the tech industry.

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• Why trust and transparency matter for inclusive AI development
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• How to get involved with We Love Open Source