Understanding AI Risk & How to Get Involved: An Introduction by WISE

New to AI Safety? Start Here. The past few weeks have brought AI safety into the mainstream conversation like never before: from high-profile research incidents like the Hugging Face breach to a wave of AI researchers speaking out publicly about the risks they’re seeing from inside the AI labs. If you’ve found yourself increasingly curious about what the biggest risks in AI really are — and how to get involved — this event is for you! Join Women in Safety and Ethics (WISE) for an evening designed for those interested in transitioning to the fields of AI safety and governance. You’ll hear directly from women who are already doing the work — in policy, industry, and civil society — and leave with a clearer picture of the AI safety landscape, the different paths into it, and real people to connect with along the way. Agenda 4:30: Doors open 5:00 - 5:05: Opening remarks and introduction to WISE by Michelle Nie Duncan, WISE DC Co-Lead 5:05 - 5:25: Fireside Chat with Helen Toner, Executive Director, Center for Security and Emerging Technology at Georgetown University 5:25 - 6:00: Panel on pathways into AI safety Panelists: Miranda Bogen, Chief Technologist, Center for Democracy & Technology B Cavello, Director of Emerging Technologies, Aspen Institute Cristina Schmidt Ibáñez, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Vista Institute for AI Policy Lala Qadir, Senior Director for Technology Security and AI Policy, Microsoft Moderator: Melissa Hopkins, WISE DC Co-Lead 6:00 - 8:00: Networking reception Who should attend? Anyone who identifies as a woman or nonbinary and is curious about AI safety is welcome to attend. Space will be limited, so registration will require approval — please include your LinkedIn and current role when you sign up to increase your chances of being accepted. About the Organizer WISE (Women in Safety and Ethics) is an international network of 250+ women working at the intersections of AI safety and ethics, with chapters in Paris, London, Washington DC, Delhi, Berlin, and Brussels. Founded at the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, WISE creates spaces for meaningful connection, technical depth, and cross-sector collaboration. Media Release By registering for and attending this event, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed and/or recorded during the event. These photos and videos may be used by WISE and Civic Tech DC for promotional, marketing, and educational purposes across various platforms, including but not limited to our website, social media channels, newsletters, and printed materials. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify event staff upon arrival, and we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your request. However, please note that in group settings, it may not always be possible to avoid incidental inclusion in photos or videos.