Think breaking into AI is all about mastering the latest tools or writing perfect prompts? Not even close.

In this episode, Rita Sargsyan shares the one thing that's helped her stand out in AI: if you're relying only on online courses, you’re missing out.

As director of the IDEAS program, she breaks down how to build real skills, connect with learning communities and industry mentors, and navigate the challenges of tech.

Plus, Rita unpacks the tension between AI and creatives, offering her perspective as someone who bridges the gap between improving community access to AI and VC funding.

🤖 Additional Яesources:

- Rita's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritasargsyan

- AI On The Lot 2025: https://www.aionthelot.com/

- IDEAS Program: https://www.joinai.la/ideas

- AI LA Events: https://lu.ma/aila-events

🤖 Connect with Juan Faisal:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akajuanfaisal/

- Newsletter: https://juanfaisal.substack.com/

- Website: https://juanfaisal.com/

🤖 Creativity & Robots: “A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Host Juan Faisal interviews creative professionals to discuss how generative AI influences our creative process, work, and media consumption. Join us to learn how AI can enhance your creativity, and dive into the ethics and realities of the tech. For experts and beginners alike.

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🤖 Timestamps:

00:00 - Rita Sargsyan’s Path: From Grassroots to AI Leader

01:09 - How AI Is Reaching Underserved Communities

03:17 - Starting in AI Without Coding or Tech Experience

05:30 - Proven Confidence Tips for Women in Tech

09:59 - Free AI Training: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

12:15 - Why Human Connection is Key to Learning AI

16:00 - How Creatives Can Survive in an AI-Driven Job Market

21:57 - Networking That Opens Real Career Doors

24:57 - How to Connect with Rita Sargsyan and AI LA

If the system keeps erasing you, maybe it was never meant to see you.

This week, we go deep with Verena Weber -AI consultant, former Amazon data scientist, and founder of Women in Tech- to unpack the hidden architecture of exclusion in AI. From microaggressions and confidence myths to systems that literally ignore female users, Verena reveals why so many women feel like they’re falling behind, even when they’re doing everything “right.”

We talk strategic self-promotion (without selling your soul), rebuilding confidence from the inside out, and how to thrive in spaces never built with you in mind. Plus: vibe coding, DEI theater, and why real innovation starts by redesigning power, not just products.

🤖 Additional Яesources:

- Verena Weber's website: https://www.verenaweber.de/

- Verena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verena-weber-134178b9/

- Women in Tech Newsletter: https://verenas-newsletter-63558b.beehiiv.com/

- Verena's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viaviawe/

- UNESCO. (n.d.). Gender equality in science, technology and innovation. https://www.interface-eu.org/publications/ai-gender-gap

- Siddhi Pal, Ruggero M. Lazzaroni & Paula Mendoza, “AI’s Missing Link: The Gender Gap in the Talent Pool,” Interface, Oct. 10, 2024. https://interface-eu.org/publications/ai-gender-gap

- Diversity wins: How inclusion matters: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters

🤖 Connect with Juan Faisal:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akajuanfaisal/

- Newsletter: https://juanfaisal.substack.com/

- Website: https://juanfaisal.com/

🤖 Creativity & Robots:

Host Juan Faisal interviews creative professionals to discuss how generative AI influences our creative process, work, and media consumption. Join us to learn how AI can enhance your creativity, and dive into the ethics and realities of the tech. For experts and beginners alike.

🤖 Timestamps:

00:00 - Verena Weber's Background

01:04 - Why Tech and AI Workplaces Exclude Women

02:08 - The Cost of Gender-Blind Tech

03:22 - Barriers to Confidence in Women

09:00 - AI Enablement for Non-Technical Roles

10:40 - Concerns About Vibe Coding

13:12 - DEI Pushback and the Business Case for Inclusion

15:53 - Rethinking “One-Size-Fits-All” Work Culture

18:04 - Final Advice and Where to Follow Verena

In this conversation, Jacques Potts discusses his mission to bring AI education to underserved communities, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and creativity in tech learning. He shares his personal journey growing up in Chicago and how it shapes his approach to education. Jacques highlights the need for engaging teaching strategies that resonate with youth, integrating cultural elements into tech education, and the significance of discussing AI ethics. He also provides insights for parents on how to navigate AI tools with their children, encouraging hands-on exploration and personalized learning.

🤖 Additional Яesources:

- Connnect with Jacques: https://linktr.ee/jackybang1212

- Jacques' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquespotts/

🤖 Connect with Juan Faisal:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akajuanfaisal/

- Newsletter: https://juanfaisal.substack.com/

- Website: https://juanfaisal.com/

🤖 Creativity & Robots: “A love letter to human creativity, with AI as the stage prop.”

Host Juan Faisal interviews creative professionals to discuss how generative AI influences our creative process, work, and media consumption. Join us to learn how AI can enhance your creativity, and dive into the ethics and realities of the tech. For experts and beginners alike.

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🤖 Timestamps:

00:00 - Empowering Underserved Communities with AI Education

02:59 - The Impact of Chicago's East Side on Jacques' Journey

05:56 - Engaging Youth in AI: Lessons Learned

09:01 - Integrating Culture into Tech Education

12:05 - Innovative Uses of AI by Youth

15:04 - Navigating AI Ethics and Responsibilities

18:02 - Keeping the Excitement Alive in Education

21:05 - Guiding Parents in the AI Landscape