Sophia Velastegui, a renowned AI expert and member of the National Science Foundation's AI advisory committee, has had a remarkable career trajectory that serves as an inspiration to women in tech. In an interview with TechCrunch, Velastegui shared her journey from studying mechanical engineering to becoming the former chief AI officer at Microsoft's business software division.

Velastegui's fascination with AI began when she worked at Apple in 2009, where she recognized the potential of AI-infused products to personalize customer experiences. She went on to work on several high-profile projects, including the development of CarPlay, iCloud, and Apple Maps. Her experience at Microsoft, where she led AI initiatives for products like LinkedIn, Bing, and Azure, was a highlight of her career.

Velastegui's story is not only a testament to her own achievements but also a call to action for women in tech. She emphasizes the importance of women supporting each other and men advocating for their female colleagues in the male-dominated tech industry. She also stresses the need for diverse viewpoints in AI development to prevent groupthink and biases. Velastegui's work with the NSF now focuses on addressing fundamental issues in AI, including the lack of digital representation and the need for a common ethical safety framework.