The Top 30 Women AI Leaders In 2025

AI is set to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, yet women hold just 26% of AI-related jobs (WEF). Meet 30 trailblazing women shaping AI in 2025—Fei-Fei Li, Mira Murati, and Timnit Gebru—leading innovation, tackling bias, and driving ethical AI advancements. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with global AI spending expected to surpass $300 billion by 2026 and contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, according to PwC. 

The demand for AI professionals is skyrocketing, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in the field. A 2023 World Economic Forum report revealed that women hold only 26% of AI-related jobs, while a UNESCO study found that just 12% of AI researchers worldwide are women.

Despite this gender gap, women are leading groundbreaking advancements in AI. From Fei-Fei Li’s development of ImageNet, which revolutionised deep learning, to Aicha Evans’ leadership in AI-powered autonomous vehicles, female AI pioneers are shaping the industry, driving innovation, and addressing ethical challenges.

Bias in AI remains a critical issue. A MIT Media Lab study found that facial recognition systems misidentify women—particularly women of colour—up to 34% more frequently than white men, highlighting the urgent need for fair AI. Ethical AI leaders like Joy Buolamwini, Kate Crawford, and Margaret Mitchell are actively working to eliminate bias and promote transparency in AI systems.

This article celebrates 30 of the most inspiring women in AI, highlighting their contributions, leadership, and lasting impact on the future of artificial intelligence.

1. Fei-Fei Li

Occupation: Researcher, Computer Scientist, Mathematician, Higher Education Teacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fei-fei-li-4541247 

Fei-Fei Li is a leading figure in AI research, specialising in computer vision. She co-created ImageNet, a large-scale visual dataset that significantly advanced deep learning. As a professor at Stanford University, she has mentored the next generation of AI researchers. 

She was also the Chief Scientist of AI/ML at Google Cloud, where she worked on ethical AI and human-centred AI applications. Li has been an advocate for diversity in AI, founding AI4ALL, a non-profit organisation that promotes AI education for underrepresented groups. Her research has influenced autonomous systems, healthcare AI, and machine learning ethics.

2. Timnit Gebru

Occupation: Researcher, Computer Scientist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnit-gebru-7b3b407 

Timnit Gebru is a pioneer in AI ethics and fairness. She co-authored a groundbreaking paper on racial and gender bias in facial recognition systems, leading to wider industry discussions on AI fairness. Gebru was a leading researcher at Google AI, co-founding its Ethical AI team before her controversial exit, which sparked a global debate on AI ethics and corporate accountability. 

She later founded the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) to focus on ethical AI development outside corporate constraints. Gebru has been a strong advocate for diversity in AI, co-founding Black in AI, a global network supporting Black professionals in AI research. Her work has influenced AI regulation and transparency discussions at global institutions.

3. Mira Murati

Occupation: Software Developer, Researcher, Mechanical Engineer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mira-murati-4b39a066/ 

Mira Murati is the Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, overseeing the development of ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL·E. She has played a crucial role in making AI systems more accessible and useful for businesses and individuals. Before joining OpenAI, she worked at Tesla, contributing to the development of Autopilot, the company’s self-driving technology. 

She is particularly interested in AI safety, governance, and responsible AI deployment. Murati frequently discusses AI’s impact on society, calling for ethical AI regulations and safeguards against misuse. She has been a key driver in OpenAI’s policy initiatives, ensuring AI aligns with human values and safety principles.

4. Rana el Kaliouby

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Businessperson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliouby/ 

Rana el Kaliouby is a pioneer in emotion AI, a field dedicated to developing AI systems that understand and respond to human emotions. She co-founded Affectiva, a company that uses AI to analyse facial expressions and detect emotional states. Her research has broad applications, including mental health support, customer experience, and human-computer interaction. 

She is also a vocal advocate for ethical AI, ensuring AI is developed with transparency and inclusivity. She has been recognised for her efforts in AI governance and diversity initiatives. Her book, "Girl Decoded", explores her journey as a woman in AI and the ethical challenges of building emotion-aware technology.

5. Cynthia Breazeal

Occupation: Teacher, Engineer, Computer Scientist, Higher Education Teacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiabreazeal/ 

Cynthia Breazeal is a leading expert in social robotics and the founder of the Personal Robots Group at MIT Media Lab. She developed Kismet, one of the first AI-driven robots capable of emotional interactions. Her research explores how AI-powered robots can enhance human lives, particularly in education, elderly care, and personal assistance. 

She is also the Chief Scientist at Jibo Inc., where she led the development of Jibo, an AI-powered companion robot. Breazeal is an advocate for human-centred AI, ensuring AI technologies improve well-being, education, and social interaction. Her work has shaped the future of AI-powered personal assistants and smart robotics.

6. Joy Buolamwini

Occupation: Computer Scientist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buolamwini/?

Joy Buolamwini is a renowned AI ethics researcher and the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League. She exposed racial and gender bias in facial recognition systems, influencing policies at companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon. Her research revealed how AI systems disproportionately misidentify individuals with darker skin tones, leading to policy changes and AI fairness regulations. 

She is a strong advocate for AI transparency and accountability, calling for ethical AI development practices. Her TED talk, "How I’m Fighting Bias in Algorithms", has been widely recognised. She also played a key role in U.S. and European discussions on AI bias regulations.

7. Allie K. Miller

Occupation: AI Strategist, Machine Learning Expert

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alliekmiller/ 

Allie K. Miller is a leading AI strategist and former Global Head of Machine Learning at AWS, where she played a crucial role in expanding AI adoption across businesses and industries. Her work has helped companies integrate AI into their workflows, making AI-driven solutions more accessible, efficient, and scalable.

During her tenure at AWS, Miller led the machine learning strategy for multiple Fortune 500 companies, helping businesses optimise AI-driven decision-making, automation, and predictive analytics. She worked on advancing natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and AI-powered cloud solutions.

Miller is a vocal advocate for gender diversity in AI. She actively mentors women in AI and STEM fields, working towards increasing female representation in technical and leadership roles.

8. Daphne Koller

Occupation: Engineer, Computer Scientist, Higher Education Teacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-koller-1a8720/ 

Daphne Koller is the co-founder of Coursera, a major online education platform. She later founded Insitro, a company using AI for drug discovery, applying machine learning to biomedical research. Her AI models help identify disease patterns and accelerate medical research. She is a professor at Stanford University, mentoring researchers in AI and computational biology. Her work has significantly impacted AI applications in medicine and education.

9. Kate Crawford

Occupation: Scientist, Writer, Composer, Higher Education Teacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katecrawford/ 

Kate Crawford is a leading researcher in AI ethics, governance, and societal impact, with a career dedicated to analysing the broader consequences of AI technologies. She is the author of Atlas of AI, a widely recognised book that explores how AI is shaped by political, environmental, and economic forces rather than being a purely technical innovation.

Crawford has worked with some of the most influential AI research institutions, including Microsoft Research and the AI Now Institute, where she has led projects on AI bias, regulation, and accountability. Her work has exposed the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, particularly in areas such as mass surveillance, algorithmic discrimination, and corporate data exploitation.

One of her most notable contributions is her research on the environmental costs of AI development, highlighting how AI training models require vast amounts of energy, raising concerns about their sustainability and carbon footprint. She has also addressed the human labour behind AI, bringing attention to the exploitation of data annotators and low-paid workers involved in AI system training.

10. Aicha Evans

Occupation: Business Executive, Software Engineer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aicha-evans-5a7a2/ 

Aicha Evans is a trailblazer in AI-driven transportation as the CEO of Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company acquired by Amazon. Under her leadership, Zoox is developing AI-powered self-driving electric taxis, aiming to transform urban mobility by offering a safe, efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional transport.

Before leading Zoox, Evans had a distinguished career in semiconductor technology and AI-driven automation. She previously worked at Intel, where she served as Chief Strategy Officer, driving innovations in high-performance computing and AI-integrated hardware. Her work helped lay the foundation for AI-enabled chipsets that support machine learning, computer vision, and edge computing.

As CEO of Zoox, Evans is leading the charge in autonomous vehicle development, overseeing the creation of AI-powered robotic taxis designed for fully autonomous ride-hailing services. The company focuses on rethinking transportation infrastructure, integrating AI into mobility solutions that reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and enhance passenger safety.

11. Anu Bharadwaj

Profession: Product Leader, AI Strategy Expert

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anubharadwaj/ 

Anu Bharadwaj is a key product leader at Microsoft, focusing on AI-driven productivity tools. She has been instrumental in integrating AI capabilities into Microsoft 365, Teams, and Azure AI, making everyday applications smarter and more intuitive. Her work has enabled millions of users worldwide to streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and improve decision-making using AI-powered insights.

Beyond her work in AI, Bharadwaj is an advocate for diversity in tech. She actively promotes the inclusion of women in AI development, mentoring young professionals and supporting STEM education initiatives. Through her leadership, she is bridging the gap between AI research and real-world applications, ensuring that AI-driven solutions remain accessible and beneficial across industries.

12. Cynthia Rudin

Profession: Researcher, Computer Scientist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-rudin-8b5a3a/ 

Cynthia Rudin is an expert in interpretable machine learning, working to ensure AI models remain transparent and understandable, particularly in high-stakes applications such as healthcare, finance, and criminal justice. She has led research demonstrating that interpretable models can be just as powerful as black-box AI models, challenging the widespread adoption of opaque deep learning systems.

Her contributions have had a profound impact on ethical AI development, influencing AI regulations and pushing organisations to prioritise accountability in decision-making systems. Rudin’s work has received numerous awards, including the Squirrel AI Award for Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humanity. She is also a professor at Duke University, mentoring future AI researchers in the importance of explainable AI models.

13. Lisa Su

Occupation: Engineer, Business Executive, Computer Scientist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-su-5a1234/ 

Lisa Su is the CEO and President of AMD, where she has driven advancements in AI-powered semiconductor technology. Under her leadership, AMD has developed high-performance processors and GPUs that power AI workloads, enabling breakthroughs in deep learning, high-performance computing, and AI model training.

She has been a key force in transforming AMD into one of the most competitive semiconductor companies, challenging industry giants like Intel and NVIDIA. Su's strategic focus on AI-accelerated computing has placed AMD at the forefront of AI hardware innovation, making it a preferred choice for researchers and businesses leveraging AI technologies.

She has been recognised globally for her leadership, earning a place on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women list. Su is also an advocate for STEM education and AI workforce diversity, actively supporting initiatives that encourage women to pursue careers in AI and technology.

14. Regina Barzilay

Occupation: Researcher, Computer Scientist, Academic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-barzilay-9b1234/ 

Regina Barzilay is a professor at MIT and a leader in AI for healthcare. Her research focuses on applying machine learning to medical diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly in oncology. She developed AI models that can detect early signs of breast cancer, enabling more accurate and personalised treatment plans.

Barzilay’s AI-driven approach to drug discovery has helped speed up the identification of new antibiotics and potential cancer treatments. Her work is widely regarded as a breakthrough in applying AI for medical advancements.

She has received several prestigious awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship (the "Genius Grant"), for her contributions to AI in medicine. In addition to her research, Barzilay is an advocate for women in STEM, encouraging more women to pursue careers in AI research and healthcare technology.

15. Shivon Zilis

Occupation: Business Executive, Venture Capitalist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivon-zilis-123456/ 

Shivon Zilis is a venture capitalist and AI investor, known for funding innovative AI startups that push the boundaries of deep learning, robotics, and neural interfaces. She is a partner at Bloomberg Beta, where she has supported AI-driven companies tackling real-world challenges.

Zilis has been instrumental in identifying and funding AI technologies that shape the future, particularly in automation, finance, and AI-powered healthcare solutions. She has worked with companies such as OpenAI and Neuralink, exploring how AI can be integrated with neuroscience and human augmentation technologies.

She actively promotes ethical AI development and frequently discusses the importance of AI safety and governance. Zilis is a strong advocate for women in AI entrepreneurship, supporting female-led AI startups and mentoring the next generation of AI innovators.

16. Anima Anandkumar

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Academic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anima-anandkumar-123456/ 

Anima Anandkumar is a leading AI researcher at Caltech and NVIDIA, specialising in deep learning, reinforcement learning, and tensor algorithms. Her work has contributed to faster, more efficient AI models, particularly in computer vision and natural language processing.

As Director of AI Research at NVIDIA, she has helped develop AI-accelerated computing solutions for scientific research, autonomous vehicles, and enterprise applications. Anandkumar is also a strong advocate for fair and responsible AI, ensuring AI models reduce bias and promote inclusivity.

She has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to AI and has received awards such as the ACM Fellowship. She actively supports STEM education and AI research opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, making AI more inclusive.

17. Beena Ammanath

Profession: AI Strategist, Executive Director of Deloitte AI Institute

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beenaammanath/ 

Beena Ammanath is an AI strategy and ethics expert, leading efforts to create AI governance frameworks for enterprises. She is the Executive Director of the Deloitte AI Institute, where she helps organisations navigate AI adoption, ethical challenges, and responsible AI development.

Her expertise spans banking, healthcare, retail, and cybersecurity, advising companies on how to use AI effectively while maintaining ethical standards. Ammanath is the author of "Trustworthy AI", a guidebook on ensuring AI remains transparent, unbiased, and aligned with societal values.

She is a champion of AI workforce diversity, working to close the gender gap in AI leadership roles. She also serves as an advisor to government agencies on AI ethics, influencing policy discussions on AI safety and regulation.

18. Claire Delaunay

Profession: Robotics Engineer, AI Expert

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-delaunay-123456/ 

Claire Delaunay is a pioneer in AI-driven robotics, having led teams at Google, NVIDIA, and Uber to develop autonomous vehicle and robotic solutions. She played a key role in building AI-powered robots that interact safely with humans, advancing AI-driven automation in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and self-driving vehicles.

Delaunay is an advocate for collaborative robotics, ensuring AI-powered machines work alongside humans rather than replacing them. Her work in self-driving technology has been instrumental in shaping the future of urban transportation.

She continues to push for ethical AI practices in robotics, emphasising the importance of transparency, safety, and reliability in AI-driven machines.

19. Joelle Pineau

Occupation: Researcher, Mathematician, Higher Education Teacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelle-pineau-123456/ 

Joelle Pineau is the co-managing director of Meta AI Research (FAIR) and an expert in reinforcement learning. Her work has improved AI’s decision-making capabilities, enabling autonomous systems, robotics, and natural language models to perform more efficiently.

Her research has applications in healthcare, robotics, and gaming AI, influencing the development of adaptive AI systems that learn from experience. She is also an advocate for AI reproducibility, ensuring that AI research is transparent, verifiable, and free from biases.

20. Yejin Choi

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Higher Education Teacher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yejin-choi-123456/ 

Yejin Choi is a leading researcher in natural language processing (NLP) and AI ethics. She focuses on developing AI systems that understand context, nuance, and human values, improving AI’s ability to generate ethical and meaningful responses.

Her work has influenced AI applications in conversational AI, text generation, and misinformation detection. She is a professor at the University of Washington and a senior researcher at Allen Institute for AI, where she leads AI research for ethical NLP applications.

21. Daniela Rus

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Roboticist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-rus-123456/ 

Daniela Rus is the Director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), one of the world’s most influential AI and robotics research institutions. Her work focuses on autonomous systems, soft robotics, and machine learning, with applications in transportation, healthcare, and industrial automation.

Rus has contributed to the development of self-driving cars, autonomous drones, and robotic fabrication techniques, helping industries move toward AI-powered automation. She has also developed soft robots that can change shape and adapt to different environments, leading to potential breakthroughs in medical robotics and disaster response.

As a researcher, Rus has received numerous accolades, including election to the National Academy of Engineering. 

22. Nuria Oliver

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Academic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuria-oliver-123456/ 

Nuria Oliver is a renowned researcher in human-computer interaction and AI for social good. She has worked on AI-driven solutions for public health, sustainability, and education, helping governments and organisations make data-driven policy decisions.

One of Oliver’s most significant contributions was using AI and data analytics to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped design models that tracked the virus’s spread, analysed mobility patterns, and provided real-time insights to policymakers, aiding in pandemic response strategies.

Oliver has also focused on AI-driven mobile technology and digital inclusion, developing AI applications that help underserved communities access essential services. As a scientific director at the Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications, she ensures that AI research remains aligned with ethical and societal values.

23. Karen Hao

Occupation: Journalist, Writer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-hao-123456/ 

Karen Hao is a senior editor and AI journalist at MIT Technology Review, known for her investigative reporting on AI ethics, bias, and policy. She has played a crucial role in exposing the risks and challenges of AI systems, making AI research more transparent and accessible to the public.

Her work has highlighted racial and gender bias in AI, unethical data practices, and the influence of AI on democracy and surveillance. Hao has interviewed leading AI researchers and policymakers, providing in-depth analysis on how AI is shaping society.

Her award-winning journalism has influenced discussions on AI regulation and corporate responsibility, making tech companies more accountable for their AI development practices. Through her work, Hao has become a key figure in bridging the gap between AI researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

24. Latanya Sweeney

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Academic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latanya-sweeney-123456/ 

Latanya Sweeney is a professor at Harvard University and a leading expert in data privacy, ethics, and AI governance. Her research has shaped policies on personal data protection and algorithmic transparency, particularly in fields like healthcare, finance, and law enforcement.

One of her most influential contributions was uncovering racial bias in online advertising algorithms, demonstrating how AI can reinforce discriminatory practices. Her findings led to policy changes in Google’s ad-serving algorithms and broader discussions on AI fairness.

Sweeney’s research has also contributed to privacy-preserving AI, ensuring that AI systems protect user data while maintaining efficiency. She has worked with the U.S. government on AI policy recommendations and continues to advocate for legislation that ensures responsible AI development.

25. Hanna Wallach

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Academic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-wallach-123456/ 

Hanna Wallach is a senior principal researcher at Microsoft Research and a leader in computational social science, a field that uses AI to analyse social behaviour, misinformation, and online interactions.

Wallach’s work has had significant implications for politics, marketing, and cybersecurity, as her research helps identify patterns in social media manipulation and misinformation campaigns. She has also contributed to algorithmic fairness research, ensuring that AI models do not unintentionally reinforce discrimination in hiring, law enforcement, and content moderation.

In addition to her research, Wallach is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in AI, helping to create programs that support underrepresented groups in AI research and development.

26. Margaret Mitchell

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Researcher

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-mitchell-123456/ 

Margaret Mitchell is a pioneering AI ethicist and machine learning researcher, known for her work in fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI. She co-founded Google’s Ethical AI team and has worked at Hugging Face to promote responsible AI practices.

Mitchell’s research focuses on mitigating bias in AI models, particularly in natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision. She has contributed to frameworks that assess bias in AI systems, ensuring they are inclusive and representative of diverse populations.

She has been a vocal advocate for corporate AI responsibility, pushing for better AI auditing, regulatory policies, and ethical standards in AI development. Mitchell continues to work on AI ethics research, ensuring AI systems serve society without reinforcing inequality.

27. Ayanna Howard

Occupation: Roboticist, Academic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayanna-howard-123456/ 

Ayanna Howard is a roboticist and the dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, where she focuses on AI and assistive robotics. Her research has led to AI-powered robots that help children with disabilities through therapy and rehabilitation.

She has worked with NASA, developing AI-driven robotic systems for space exploration, and later applied this expertise to healthcare and education. Howard has developed AI-powered prosthetics, wearable technology, and social robots that assist individuals with mobility impairments and cognitive disabilities.

In addition to her research, Howard is a strong advocate for diversity in STEM, creating mentorship programs that support young women and minorities in robotics and AI research.

28. Tessa Lau

Occupation: Computer Scientist, Entrepreneur

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-lau-123456/ 

Tessa Lau is the founder of Dusty Robotics, a company that is revolutionising the construction industry with AI-driven automation. Her work focuses on AI-powered robotic assistants that improve efficiency and reduce costs in construction projects.

Lau’s innovations help construction teams automate complex processes such as layout planning, material handling, and real-time project monitoring, reducing errors and improving safety.

Before founding Dusty Robotics, Lau worked on AI-powered enterprise automation, developing intelligent software that simplifies business operations. She is an advocate for AI entrepreneurship and automation ethics, ensuring AI enhances productivity without replacing human jobs.

29. Vivienne Ming

Occupation: Theoretical Neuroscientist, Entrepreneur

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-ming-123456/ 

Vivienne Ming is the co-founder of Socos Labs, where she applies AI to solve global challenges in education, mental health, and workforce development. Her AI models create personalised learning experiences, helping students and professionals develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ming’s work in AI-driven mental health applications has enabled early detection of psychological disorders, allowing for more effective and personalised treatments. She has also worked on AI-powered hiring systems that help companies identify and nurture talent beyond traditional recruitment metrics.

She is an advocate for ethical AI and cognitive diversity, promoting AI solutions that empower individuals rather than replace them.

30. Cassie Kozyrkov

Occupation: Data Scientist, Decision Scientist

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-kozyrkov/%5D

Cassie Kozyrkov is the Chief Decision Scientist at Google, where she leads efforts to democratise AI and data science. She specialises in decision intelligence, making AI and machine learning more accessible to business leaders and non-experts.

Her work has helped companies integrate AI into decision-making processes, ensuring data-driven strategies are efficient and ethical. She is a strong advocate for AI education, teaching businesses how to leverage AI without requiring deep technical knowledge.

Kozyrkov frequently speaks about AI safety, governance, and the importance of human oversight in AI decisions, shaping how companies approach AI adoption.