When I began my career in computer science in Morocco, the path for women in technology was far from clear. Today, as a Principal Research Scientist at IBM and an ACM Distinguished Speaker, I've had the privilege of witnessing — and contributing to — significant progress. But there's still much work to be done.
My Journey
From Al Akhawayn University in Morocco to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, and then to IBM Research, my journey has been shaped by mentors who believed in my potential and opportunities that challenged me to grow.
The Importance of Representation
Representation matters. When young women see someone who looks like them leading AI research at a major institution, it expands their sense of what's possible. This is why I'm deeply committed to mentorship and to creating platforms — like ArabWIC (Arab Women in Computing) — that support women in technology.
Creating Pathways
Through my work with organizations like ACM, IEEE, and various conferences, I've focused on creating pathways for underrepresented groups in AI. This includes organizing workshops, mentoring early-career researchers, and advocating for inclusive practices in hiring and promotion.
The AI revolution will only reach its full potential if it includes diverse perspectives. We need women not just participating in AI — we need women leading it.
Dr. Kaoutar El Maghraoui
Principal Research Scientist at IBM Research · Adjunct Professor at Columbia University