JAMMU: In a captivating and exclusive online interview, Karen Beraldo, hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and serving as the Director of Communications at MKAI, provides a unique insight into her pivotal role as a navigator and lighthouse in the turbulent sea of AI ethics. Conducted by Ajmer Alam Wani, the Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor (www.jkmonitor.org), this interview delves into Karen's commitment to fostering a thriving internal community within MKAI through effective internal communications. Her responsibilities, she explains, require a profound understanding of the organization's dynamics and an unwavering dedication to clarity and transparency.
Through this interview, Karen elucidates how her communication initiatives play a vital role in keeping everyone at MKAI informed, motivated, and deeply connected to the company's vision and mission. She emphasizes the importance of creating a psychologically safe space within their community, where every member feels valued and heard.
What truly sets this interview apart is Karen's insight into how MKAI, under her guidance, is steering towards a responsible and inclusive AI future. She elaborates on the establishment of a robust ethical framework, transparent communication and the championing of inclusivity as key elements in guiding MKAI in the right direction. It becomes evident that it's not just about algorithms; it's about the ethical compass guiding their creation and use.
In addressing ethical implications surrounding AI, Karen underscores MKAI's deep commitment to responsible and inclusive practices, actively promoting diversity and inclusion. Their partnership with UN Women's Women Empowerment Principles program further reflects their dedication to gender equality and inclusivity.
Beyond the professional realm, Karen shares insights into Brazil's rich culture and traditions. She highlights the internationally renowned Carnival as a vibrant celebration of color, happiness, and inclusivity that captures the essence of Brazilian culture. She also touches upon the educational landscape in Brazil, pointing out stark inequalities and the challenges of ensuring quality education for all.
Karen discusses the efforts made through initiatives like the Common National Curriculum Base and the "Lei de Cotas" to bridge these gaps but underscores the need for sustained political commitment and effective policy implementation.
Furthermore, she addresses the complex issue of women's empowerment in Brazil, acknowledging progress made while highlighting persistent challenges such as gender pay gaps, underrepresentation in politics, and high rates of femicide. Legislation like the Maria da Penha Law has been enacted to combat domestic violence, but Karen emphasizes the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality.
Finally, Karen shares her appreciation for Brazil's natural beauty and biodiversity, highlighting lesser-known gems such as Fernando de Noronha, Chapada dos Veadeiros, and more. She also mentions the legislation in place to protect these treasures and maintain ecological integrity.
Karen Beraldo's interview offers a profound glimpse into her role as a guardian of ethics in AI and a steward of communication at MKAI, shedding light on both the professional and cultural facets of Brazil.
For the detailed interview read questions and answers below till end:-
1. Karen how has your experience as a resident of Sao Paulo influenced your perception of Brazilian culture and how do you think it differs from other regions in the world?
Answer: São Paulo is a melting pot of cultures, a vibrant tapestry where diverse traditions intermingle. Living in such a cosmopolitan city has exposed me to an array of international cuisines, cultural enclaves, and the presence of numerous international organisations that diligently preserve their heritage. The heterogeneous population of this city adds to its cultural richness, fostering an environment where people from various origins coexist harmoniously. This, in my view, distinguishes São Paulo from many other regions across the world. It has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and the value of embracing differences. Brazilian culture, too, is deeply rooted in diversity, with significant European, African, and Asian influences shaping its unique identity.
2. As a resident of Brazil, what unique cultural practices or traditions do you believe contribute to the country's vibrant and diverse identity?
Answer: One cultural practice that is known worldwide and undoubtedly contributes to Brazil's vibrant identity is Carnival. It's a spectacular celebration with vivid colours, infectious happiness, and inclusivity. During Carnival, the nation comes to a joyful standstill for at least four days, with some regions extending the festivities for nearly two weeks. It's a time when everyone can participate and revel in the festivities regardless of background or social status. Carnival embodies the essence of Brazilian culture, reflecting its passion, rhythm, and exuberance.
3. Karen could you share some insights into the education system in Brazil? What are the major challenges it faces and what initiatives have been taken to address them?
Answer: Brazil's educational landscape is marked by stark inequalities. Access to education remains a significant challenge, particularly for underprivileged children, compounded further by racial disparities. Age-grade distortions persist, and dropout rates among male students are notably high. While education is constitutionally mandated as a fundamental right provided by the State, ensuring quality education for all remains a formidable task. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reveals glaring disparities in student performance linked to economic class and geographic region.
In 2018, the Common National Curriculum Base (BNCC) was introduced to standardise educational content across schools. This initiative aimed to align educational goals with principles promoting student autonomy, critical thinking, and knowledge acquisition. The "Lei de Cotas" was also implemented to reserve university admissions based on socioeconomic and racial criteria. However, there is still a long road ahead before every child in Brazil has equal access to education and completes their educational journey. Political commitment and effective policy implementation are key to bridging these gaps.
4. In terms of women's status and empowerment, what progress have you observed in Brazil over the years and what are the key areas that still require attention and improvement?
Answer: The status of women's empowerment in Brazil is a complex issue. While strides have been made, challenges persist. According to the World Economic Forum in 2019, Brazil ranked 92nd in gender equality among 153 countries. Women remain underrepresented in politics, even though affirmative action policies have aimed to promote their participation. Gender pay gaps persist, and women are disproportionately affected by harassment and unemployment. Legislation such as the Maria da Penha Law, enacted in 2006, has sought to combat domestic violence against women.
However, Brazil still faces a distressingly high rate of femicide. Women's rights organisations and movements are crucial in advocating for gender equality, raising awareness about women's issues, and pressuring for policy changes. While progress has been made, there is a pressing need for continued efforts to address these inequalities and promote women's empowerment in all spheres of Brazilian society.
5. Brazil is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. Could you highlight some of the lesser-known natural treasures in the country and what efforts are being made to protect and preserve them?
Answer: Brazil's natural beauty and biodiversity are renowned worldwide, indeed, but there are lesser-known gems that deserve recognition. Destinations like Fernando de Noronha in Pernambuco, Chapada dos Veadeiros in Goiás, Lençóis Maranhenses in Maranhão, Bonito in Mato Grosso do Sul, Jalapão in Tocantins, and Chapada Diamantina in Bahia offer stunning landscapes and unique experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Brazil has enacted legislation such as the Environmental Crimes Law (Law 9,605 – 1998) and the National Environmental Policy (Law 6,938 – 1981) to protect these natural treasures. The National Water Resources Policy (Law 9,433 – 1997) recognises water as a valuable, limited resource and seeks to manage its usage effectively. These laws aim to safeguard Brazil's natural resources and maintain their ecological integrity.
6. As the Director of Communications at MKAI, what key responsibilities do you have in promoting the organization's objectives and what strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication with various stakeholders?
Answer: My foremost commitment at MKAI is nurturing our internal community through effective internal communications. In this capacity, I act as a steward of information flow within the organisation. Successfully executing my responsibilities requires a profound understanding of our organisational dynamics, an unwavering commitment to clarity, and an unwavering dedication to keeping our team, advisors, and community well-informed and engaged.
My communication initiatives ensure that everyone at MKAI remains informed, motivated, and deeply invested in our company's vision and mission. Fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within our community is paramount, and we strive to create a psychologically safe space where everyone feels valued and heard.
7. The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving. How does MKAI stay at the forefront of AI innovation and what steps do you take to ensure that your communication strategies align with the latest advancements in the industry?
Answer: Considering the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), maintaining our position at the forefront of AI innovation is crucial. I ensure that our communication strategies align with the latest industry advancements by fostering a culture of innovation within the team. We continuously study industry trends and discuss how to improve our practices ethically and inclusively.
Weekly meetings help maintain clarity and ensure communication resonates with our organisational goals. Our diverse team, spanning four continents, brings unique insights and perspectives to the table, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and cutting-edge innovation. With our community, consisting of over 1,000 members from more than 100 countries, we create a dynamic and innovative environment.
8. Karen can you share an example of a particularly successful communication or partnership initiative that you spearheaded at MKAI and how it contributed to the organization's overall mission and goals?
Answer: One particularly successful initiative I spearheaded at MKAI was the introduction of daily summaries. These summaries provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of our vibrant chat platform, making it easier for our community members to stay informed and engaged. This initiative encouraged more active participation and knowledge exchange within our community, enriching our discussions and attracting new members.
9. As the Director of Communications, how do you navigate the potential ethical implications and concerns surrounding AI, and what steps does MKAI take to ensure responsible and inclusive AI practices?
Answer: In the stormy sea of AI ethics, the Director of Communications serves as both navigator and lighthouse. By establishing a robust ethical framework, fostering transparent communication, and championing inclusivity, this role can guide MKAI towards a responsible and inclusive AI future. Ultimately, it is not just about the algorithms; it is about the ethical compass that guides their creation and use, and this role plays a pivotal part in setting that direction.
10. With the increasing influence of social media and digital platforms, how do you leverage these channels to effectively communicate MKAI's message and engage with a diverse audience?
Answer: In the age of social media and digital platforms, we leverage these channels effectively to communicate MKAI's message and engage with a diverse audience. Hazel Reambillo, our Marketing Director, plays a crucial role in steering our social channels, ensuring we reach a broad and engaged audience.
11. How does MKAI actively promote diversity and inclusion within the organization, and what benefits do you believe this brings to the field of AI?
Answer: In addressing ethical implications and concerns surrounding AI, our organisation is deeply committed to responsible and inclusive AI practices. We actively promote diversity and inclusion. Embracing diversity is a fundamental principle that aligns with ethical AI practices and offers numerous benefits, including fostering innovation, attracting talent, and enhancing our reputation. Our partnership with UN Women's Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) program reflects our dedication to gender equality and inclusivity.
12. What future trends or developments do you foresee in the field of AI, and how does MKAI plan to adapt and stay ahead in this dynamic landscape?
Answer: Looking to the future, ethical concerns will continue to play a significant role in AI applications. MKAI's commitment to ethical practices, listening to people, and promoting kindness will remain at the core of our mission.
13. As a professional in the communications field, how do you balance the need to convey complex technical concepts about AI to a broad audience while ensuring clarity and accessibility?
Answer: At MKAI, our unwavering commitment lies in ensuring that AI knowledge is disseminated clearly and straightforwardly, thus allowing everyone, regardless of their background or expertise, to navigate this intricate domain confidently. We firmly believe in making AI accessible to all.
A significant asset in this endeavour is our diverse community. Comprising individuals with varied backgrounds and levels of expertise, our community serves as an invaluable resource for consultation on every conceivable AI concept. This diversity enriches our discussions and ensures that our explanations are comprehensive and approachable.
Importantly, I don't possess a technical background myself. However, by drawing upon our community's collective knowledge and experiences, I can confidently convey complex technical concepts that resonate with our broad audience.
In summary, MKAI's approach to communicating complex AI concepts is underpinned by a commitment to clarity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Through collaborative partnerships, educational offerings, and our diverse community, we endeavour to demystify AI and make it a subject everyone can understand and engage with.
14. Karen lastly, how do you personally define success in your role at MKAI and what long-term goals do you have in advancing the organization's mission and impact?
Answer: Personally, I measure success by the feedback I receive from our community members. When someone tells me that MKAI is a good, safe, and kind place where knowledge is shared and learned, I consider that a success. My long-term goals involve expanding our community's reach, increasing diversity, including more countries, and maintaining gender balance while advancing our organisation's mission and impact.