Dr. Katelyn Jones
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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Katelyn Jones
AI and Social Impact:
Expanding What We Measure and Why
Bio:
Dr. Katelyn Jones brings over a decade of mixed‑methods research and leadership experience to help leaders and boards make strategic decisions at the intersection of data, impact, and mission. As VP of Impact Insights & Analytics at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, she led enterprise‑wide evaluation strategy and integrated AI‑powered tools that accelerated project delivery by 50% while generating over $500K in annual savings.
She now advises mission‑driven organizations through Noetic, her advisory practice, and teaches Decision Strategy at Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business. Dr. Jones also serves as Board Chair of Joel Hall Dancers & Center. She holds a post‑graduate certificate in AI for Leaders from UT Austin and has presented on AI and social impact at CDO Vision Chicago.
Dr. Katelyn Jones Promotional Video
Abstract:
As AI transforms business operations and drives economic growth, a critical question remains unanswered: How do we ensure its benefits are shared equitably while minimizing harm? This session will challenge leaders to expand their perspective beyond conventional AI metrics like efficiency gains, cost savings, and productivity, to include social impact as a vital measure of success.
Drawing on real-world examples from Chicago's $57.4 billion AI economy and beyond, we'll explore how AI's rapid adoption creates both unprecedented opportunities and significant risks for communities. Participants will learn why conventional responsible AI principles, while important, fall short without frameworks that meaningfully center communities, lived experience, and long-term outcomes. The session will provide practical strategies for leaders to address these shortcomings, specifically integrating social impact considerations into AI strategy and project success metrics. Attendees will leave equipped with tools and recommendations to build AI strategies that strive to benefit everyone
Learning Objectives
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Identify the gap between conventional AI success metrics and social impact measures
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Understand the limitations of current responsible AI frameworks
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Apply a social impact framework to evaluate AI utilization and/or strategy in their organization
