Renée Cummings

Renée Cummings is an acclaimed AI ethicist and Professor of Practice in Data Science at the University of Virginia. As the founder and CEO of Urban AI, she focuses on building ethical AI solutions tailored to urban environments. With a commitment to responsible AI development, Renée has become a prominent speaker, sharing insights on the ethical, societal, and regulatory challenges of artificial intelligence.

Renée’s journey into AI ethics was influenced by her early career in criminology, criminal psychology, and crime prevention. Her deep expertise in public safety and justice led her to examine the ethical concerns surrounding emerging technologies in these fields. This transition marked a pivotal moment when she joined the University of Virginia’s School of Data Science as its first Data Activist-in-Residence, later rising to Professor of Practice in Data Science. This role allowed her to combine her understanding of data science with her advocacy for ethical AI, positioning her as a leader in responsible AI practices.

In recent years, Renée has achieved several noteworthy accomplishments. She was appointed as the inaugural Senior Fellow in AI, Data, and Public Policy at All Tech Is Human, a role where she leads initiatives on ethical AI development. Renée also plays an influential role on the World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Alliance, where she contributes to shaping global AI governance and policy. Recognising her influence and impact, she was honoured with the 2023 VentureBeat AI Innovator Award. Additionally, as Emerging Technologist Examination Developer at CertNexus and East Coast Regional Leader of Women in AI Ethics, she actively promotes diversity and accountability in AI.

Renée’s insight and expertise have made her a sought-after speaker in AI ethics. Her ability to bridge technical knowledge with ethical considerations enables her to address complex issues in accessible and impactful ways. Organisations and forums worldwide invite her to share her perspective on the societal and regulatory implications of AI, as they seek to foster responsible, inclusive, and sustainable AI solutions. When hired as an AI speaker, Renée receives an average official client rating of 9.4/10 for her compelling and insightful presentations on artificial intelligence ethics and governance.