Amazing Experience at the WIT & Cisco STEAM Summit

The Girls in Gear: The Next Gen STEAM Summit held in Atlanta was an empowering event for young women seeking opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Organized by Women In Technology (WIT) and Cisco, the event provided a platform for students to engage with tech leaders and explore careers in STEAM. A standout at the event was Alicia Lyttle, the founder of AI InnoVision, whose presence left a lasting impact on everyone in the room. Her goal? To show young women how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future—and how they can be part of this exciting journey.

Making Technology Fun and Relatable

Right from the start, Alicia’s approach was refreshingly different. She didn’t just talk about AI; she brought it to life in an engaging and fun way. Alicia shared her own journey, demonstrating that technology isn’t an exclusive domain reserved for experts. Instead, it’s a field that’s open to anyone who is curious and willing to learn.

Her teaching style was approachable, and the students quickly connected with her. By integrating personal stories and relatable examples, Alicia made technology seem less intimidating and more like something these young women could see themselves mastering. She aimed to break down any barriers they might have had, making AI approachable and exciting rather than daunting.

Bringing AI to Life Through Hands-On Activities

Alicia’s session wasn’t just about talking—she turned technology into a hands-on experience. With the help of Cisco, she provided the students with tablets and introduced them to the world of AI-generated art. The activity allowed them to experiment, creating their own unique pieces of digital art with AI’s assistance. For many, it was their first time seeing AI in action, and they were surprised at how easy and fun it was to use.

But beyond the creativity, Alicia had a deeper purpose. The exercise wasn’t just about creating art—it was about showing how technology and imagination can intersect. She wanted the students to understand that AI isn’t just a tool for solving complex problems; it’s a way to innovate and express creativity. By blending art with technology, she made AI feel both practical and imaginative, sparking a sense of curiosity and excitement.

Exploring Practical Uses of AI

While the art demonstration captured the students’ imaginations, Alicia also wanted them to see AI’s practical side. She introduced a Google user experience program in which the students trained an AI to recognize their doodles. This interactive exercise demonstrated how AI systems are developed and how important user input is to improving these technologies. For the students, it was a glimpse into real-world applications of AI, where their contributions could directly impact how the technology evolves.

This experience allowed the students to step into the role of AI developers. By showing them how they were actively shaping the technology, Alicia conveyed a powerful message: AI is not just a far-off concept; it’s something they can influence and be part of today. This hands-on learning experience gave the students the confidence to see themselves as future tech professionals.

Opening Doors to Careers in AI

Alicia didn’t stop at showcasing how fun and interactive AI can be—she also gave the students a glimpse into what a career in AI could look like. She explained that AI encompasses a wide range of fields, from consulting and design to development and problem-solving. By breaking down these roles into simple, understandable terms, she demystified the field and helped the students realize there’s a place for them in the tech world, no matter their skill set.

For Alicia, it was important to show that AI is about more than just programming. It involves creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for solving real-world problems. She emphasized that AI careers are not out of reach; they’re paths anyone with curiosity and determination can pursue. The goal was to help the students envision themselves as participants in technology and future leaders in the field.

Keeping the Session Engaging and Interactive

Alicia knew that keeping the energy high was key to engaging the students, so she included a quick quiz on AI tools and their everyday uses. This wasn’t just a way to test their knowledge—it was a fun, interactive element that encouraged participation. Students eagerly shared their answers and ideas, and the chance to win an Echo Dot made it all the more exciting.

The quiz also highlighted how AI is already embedded in everyday life. The students discussed how tools like Alexa could help them with schoolwork or daily tasks, bringing the conversation full circle. Alicia’s easygoing, approachable style made the session feel like a conversation rather than a lecture. By the end, the room was buzzing with excitement, and the students were more confident in their understanding of AI.

A Space for Open Conversations

To close out her session, Alicia opened the floor for questions. The students jumped at the opportunity, asking about everything from AI’s role in environmental protection to how they could start learning AI skills on their own. Alicia answered each question with enthusiasm, making sure to offer simple explanations and real-life examples.

Her responses made AI feel even more accessible. It was clear that she wasn’t just there to talk—she was genuinely interested in helping these young women explore the possibilities in front of them. By the end of the Q&A, the students felt heard, valued, and excited about the future.

A Day of Learning and Inspiration

The Girls in Gear STEAM Summit didn’t stop with Alicia’s session. Throughout the day, students participated in various workshops, coding lessons, and mentoring sessions. The event, supported by WIT and Cisco, provided an environment where young women could get hands-on experience and practical advice from professionals in the field.