A Night with Dr. Joy Buolamwini

At precisely 7:00 pm, amidst the hallowed halls of the Museum of Sciences, I stepped into an auditorium crackling with anticipation. Here, within the convergence of technology and the essence of humanity, the Museum of Science’s Cahners Theater was set for Dr. Joy Buolamwini's book tour, "Unmasking AI: Preserving What's Human in a World of Technology." Her name reached my ears nearly three years ago, introduced by iFp when exploring her remarkable strides in algorithmic justice and AI bias. Her name had since become a constant in our group discussions, and the prospect of finally witnessing her discourse was nothing short of exhilarating.

Dr. Joy has been a personal inspiration to me. Her unique talent for seamlessly integrating poetry with science, had a far-reaching impact than if I were to peruse scientific papers on AI bias. During her talk, her words weren't merely spoken; they were artfully crafted leaving everyone who encountered them with a sense of wonder. Highlighting the beauty and accessibility one can create with the intersection between art and science.

Among the myriad topics unveiled during this talk, one particular theme lingered persistently well beyond the event's conclusion—Dr. Joy’s perspective on challenging conventional/technical solutions to real-world problems. Dr. Joy's exploration into AI Bias began inadvertently during her PhD at the MIT Media Lab. She enrolled in the course “Science Fabrication” at MIT, leading to the creation of an "Aspire Mirror" inspired by the children's book "Anansi the Spider." This project, utilizing facial recognition software, encountered a startling obstacle: it failed to detect her face.

The mirror, designed to project inspiring images onto the face of the viewer, worked seamlessly when she wore a white mask. However, when she presented her own African-American face, the image failed to register. Initially, Dr. Joy sought to rectify this by considering the creation of inclusive data sets as a solution. As she assessed their performance against the biased ones, she paused to contemplate the potential harm and misuse that such datasets might entail. This decision ensured that technological advancements, especially in AI, serve to alleviate societal disparities rather than exacerbate them. And at times, the resolution to a problem doesn't have to involve a "technical" solution.

Dr. Joy’s talk was nothing short of visionary, and her work has shown us that science should not exist within an isolated realm of technicality but should embrace an open and welcoming approach, such that it is by and for the people, rather than detached entities operating in isolation. Overall, it serves as a reminder that the future of AI must be guided by our commitment to preserving what's inherently human.

We are the Future, We are the Now!

During Collab time, we do three things that are completely foreign to young people at least outside of iFp: no screens (computers or phones), working with hands (making, building) and figuring stuff out collectively. Interestingly, during this time our most creative work is produced.

A few months ago while brainstorming for a future project, we developed the theme “We are the Future, We are the Now.” This Summer during Collab time we decided to push the theme a little farther. Ideas are still percolating, but it feels like we are on to something interesting. Read below to learn about our Summer of 2022.

By the end of our 6 hour days, students are worn out. However, after a night’s rest they are recharged and excited for the next day. If we had the will, their excitement for the next school day could be the same. Our five week Summer program is packed with field-trips, studios and collab time.

Field-Trips

We toured Kendall, hung out at the MIT Museum, talked 2 Blocks with Google, and listened to Gladys Night with IDEO.

Studios

Studios are where we get stuff done! This year we worked on four projects simultaneously: Genius, 2 Blocks, Uncover and We are the Future.

Collab Time

During Collab time, there are no screens (computers or phones), working with hands (making, building) and figuring stuff out together. The process is filled with ambiguity (does this make sense) and uneasiness (not knowing what to do next), however the results are amazing.

It’s extremely challenging to trust the process, however through constant feedback and iteration we land in a good place. Introducing “Cheese, Queen Eliza-bird, I wish I was a cup and Debra the bird.”

Design Review

Nothing like a deadline to dial-up the intensity. The studio was buzzing on Monday and Tuesday before our final design review. With so many projects to showcase, we added a demo floor for this first time ever. To our pleasure it was packed.

As always our presentations were off the charts!

In a few weeks, we will be back to our school-year schedule. Not nearly as intense, but fun in its own way…

Innovators for Purpose awarded $100,00 Cummings grant

Cambridge nonprofit receives 3 years of funding from Cummings Foundation

Cambridge, May 27, 2022 – Innovators for Purpose (iFp) is one of 140 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Program. The Cambridge-based organization was chosen from a total of 580 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $100,000 over 3 years.

iFp is a BIPOC-led non-profit design and innovation studio and learning lab that’s reimagining the STEM / STEAM learning experience to build an inclusive, future-ready workforce. We empower young people to become innovators who create positive impact in the world.

 “We are extremely excited to receive the Cummings grant.  It’s a testament to our novel approach to building inclusive pathways into the innovation economy.”  Michael K. Dawson, Co-Founder and CEO

 The Cummings $25 Million Grant Program supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and primarily serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. 

Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.

 “We are so fortunate in greater Boston to have such effective nonprofits, plus a wealth of talented, dedicated professionals and volunteers to run them,” said Cummings Foundation executive director Joyce Vyriotes. “We are indebted to them for the work they do each day to provide for basic needs, break down barriers to education and health resources, and work toward a more equitable society.”

 With the help of about 90 volunteers, the Foundation first identified 140 organizations to receive grants of at least $100,000 each. Among the winners were first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings Foundation grants. Forty of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 each.

“Our volunteers bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which is so critical to our grant selection process,” said Vyriotes. “Through this democratized approach to philanthropy, they decide more than half the grants every year.”

 This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including food insecurity, immigrant and refugee services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 45 different cities and towns.

 The complete list of 140 grant winners, plus more than 900 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.  Cummings Foundation has now awarded more than $375 million to greater Boston nonprofits.

 About Innovators for Purpose (iFp)

iFp is a BIPOC-led non-profit youth design and innovation studio and learning lab in Cambridge, MA. We empower young people, especially those from historically marginalized groups, to become innovators who create positive impact in the world. Our flagship program, iFp Studios (ages 14-18), brings together aspiring creatives, technologists, and change makers with professional designers, software developers, engineers, and others to work on real-world student-initiated and client-sponsored projects.  iFp Teens use ethnographic research tools to deconstruct complex problems and creative technologies such as coding, augmented reality, web and app design, 2D/3D animation, and motion graphics to build products and experiences that challenge the status quo and spark positive change. As a result of our work, iFp broadens the pipeline of skilled young people pursuing high-impact career pathways. To learn more about iFp, please visit  www.innovatorsforpurpose.org

About Cummings Foundation

Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

Innovators for Purpose Gaining Momentum in Kendall

The momentum is building, but who knew it would take eight years? iFp was founded in March 2014. Six months later, the Boston Globe published an article “Area 4 residents live in the shadow of the future.” This wasn’t the first article about “Cambridge as a tale of two cities” and hasn’t been the last. Several of the articles are linked here.

Following release of the 2014 article, we talked to every Kendall Square company listed. Since Innovators for Purpose was founded to address the very same problem discussed in article, we expected serious engagement. It would be mostly crickets for the next three years.

The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority would be the first Kendall Square organization to respond in a tangible way. The result is the iconic Looking Glass sculpture in Galaxy Park. The Looking Glass brings to light some of the amazing history in Kendall. Although that was our goal, there was a deeper meaning for us.

When we first started iFp, young people talked about feeling invisible and disconnected from the larger community. There was no sense of belonging outside of the few blocks surrounding their home. Kendall Square? Why would we go there? Walking through Kendall Square might still feel foreign for many Cambridge youth. However, at least in Galaxy Park, iFp students have a new feeling.

The Looking Glass has become one of the most photographed objects in Kendall. Hundreds of memories are commemorated with selfies in front of the Looking Glass. Just like the tech and science companies, our teens have created value in Kendall. Our teens see themselves as innovators and problem solvers. No different than any other innovator or problem solver in Kendall. 

Hanging out in Galaxy Park, Kendall Square - just because

MIT would be the next in KSQ to support our work. We have an incredible installation resulting from our partnership coming this Spring. The installation will recognize the inventive spirit of Kendall in an inclusive manner.

Future Home of our next installation

We received our third STEM education grant from Akamai this year. Several years ago, we took our students on a guided tour of Kendall. During the tour, students learned about Danny Lewin, co-founder of Akamai. Danny was killed aboard American Airlines Flight 11, while attempting to foil its highjacking on September 11, 2001. On occasion, we hang out in Danny Lewin Park. Interestingly, we now have a couple students interested in Cyber Security - one of Akamai’s product lines.

Last year I was invited to join the Kendall Square Association Board of Directors. First thing I did was to double check my LinkedIn profile. Yes, my description of being a Status Quo Agitator was still there. I can only assume they did their due diligence :) The increased visibility has been great for iFp.

Our most exiting new partnership over the past year has been with Microsoft. They have agreed to be the lead partner on our next iteration of the 2 Blocks project. The project delves into an educational system that is only working for a few - resulting in small percentage of Cambridge K-12 educated residents being able to access the tremendous opportunities in Kendall. We are looking forward to doing more with Microsoft especially around Computer Science education.

In the early days, we talked about creative problem solving and human centered design, but was asked about science experiments. It is our belief that you must expose and engage, then educate and empower. That’s if you are attempting to broaden the pipeline, not enrich the current narrow and leaky one.

Our approach is working. iFp alum can now be found on college campuses studying to become designers, researchers, computer scientists, engineers, scientists and business leaders.

There are many missing logos from the image above. If you work for a company that can get on board with

• our theory of change: to expose and engage, then educate and empower

as well as

• our mission: to broaden the pipeline of skilled young people pursuing high-impact college and career pathways

let’s talk.