24 25 Black Pages - Flipbook - Page 98
PAULANA HALL, SOFTWARE ENGINEER
ERIKA SMITH, GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP LEAD
KEVIN MOORE, TECHNICAL PROGRAM MANAGER
AI and the Heart of Georgia: A Conversation with Tech Leaders
A conversation with Erika M. Smith, Kevin Moore, and Paulana Hall (written with Microsoft Copilot)
Introduction
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, it is crucial to ensure that communities like Macon and Middle Georgia are
not left behind. Providing AI exposure, access, and fluency to these regions is essential for fostering innovation, economic
growth, and social equity. By demystifying technology and making it accessible to all, we open doors to new opportunities,
empower individuals with valuable skills, and create a more inclusive and diverse tech ecosystem. Leveraging nascent
technology to strengthen or build new economies plays a pivotal role in this transformation. By harnessing the potential of AI,
we can create an economic activity center in the heart of Middle Georgia, stimulating local businesses, attracting new
investments, and ultimately nurturing a thriving, resilient community. This approach not only enriches local communities but
also contributes to the broader goal of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone can participate in and benefit from
the advancements in artificial intelligence.
This is our vision for Macon, from the lens of Erika Smith, Kevin Moore, and Paulana Hall.
Erika Smith, a social impact leader, Kevin Moore, a seasoned technical program manager, and Paulana Hall, a software
engineer, are at the forefront of this transformative journey. Our collective vision for Macon is rooted in the belief we can
harness AI to create a robust and resilient economy, integrating the culture, genius, and power of Middle Georgia residents and
organizations. By collaborating with the MAICON Collective and spearheading initiatives that provide AI education and
resources, we aim to cultivate a dynamic AI ecosystem that empowers all residents, stimulates local businesses, and attracts
new investments. Together, we are committed to ensuring that Macon not only participates in but also thrives within the
rapidly advancing technological landscape.
The Vision for Macon + AI
The three of us represent distinct, yet connected experiences in Macon driving us to deliver resources and impact on the city
that cultivated our lives. Kevin and I grew up in Macon, and Paulana graduated from Fort Valley State University and lived in
Macon during and after college. Our relationship and experiences in the city formulated our vision for the MAICON Collective
and the future with AI.
Erika Smith: "When I look back at Macon's rich history, I see a city that was teeming with talent and intellectual resources. The
1990s marked a significant shift as Macon transitioned from an industrial manufacturing hub leading to an economic gap. To
bridge this gap, our focus on AI fluency and adoption aims to rejuvenate the region. Through our collaboration with the
MAICON Collective, which brings together public, private, and nonprofit sectors, we strive to ensure that anyone with an
interest in AI can learn and experience it.
My vision is to transform Macon into a center of economic activity driven by AI, where residents have access to the tools and
resources needed to thrive in the digital age. This is not just about technology; it's about empowering individuals, nurturing
talent, and building a resilient, inclusive community that can compete on a global scale. We aim to ensure that every Macon
resident benefits from AI advancements, leading to a more prosperous future for the region."
Paulana Hall: "The first thing that I think of with AI in a city is building smarter cities. Cities like Macon can benefit from AI in so
many ways by building better processes, allowing people to be more productive, giving them the right access to tools and
resources, and even helping reduce overall costs. AI can increase productivity with the same size workforce and allow them to
accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
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