The HeadStart Project officially launched on March 14th and 15th, 2024, with its kick-off meeting held at the newly opened Crew Digital Creative Hub in Galway. Representatives from all partner organisations were present, including WIDE ANDCO representing Luxembourg, Inspiring Girls (Portugal), EUEI (Denmark), and Momentum (Ireland), marking the beginning of an exciting collaborative journey.
Empowering Young Women in AI
At the heart of the HeadStart project is our mission to bridge the gender gap in AI. By providing tailored education and mentorship, we aim to empower young women and youth educators with the skills and resources they need to excel in the ever-evolving field of AI. Our approach targets four primary groups: young women, youth educators, youth-focused organisations, and AI education stakeholders. Through this multidimensional strategy, we will foster skills, build communities, and drive systemic change in AI gender representation.
A Day of Collaboration and Discovery
The first day was dedicated to introductions and understanding the diverse organisations involved in the project. With everyone meeting face-to-face for the first time, it was an invaluable opportunity to connect and learn about each other’s expertise. In the afternoon, we were treated to a tour of the Crew Digital Creative Hub, where we saw first-hand the incredible work being done in fields such as animation, film, and virtual reality (VR).
Project Management and Future Planning
Day two was all about the project’s management side. With new partners like Inspiring Girls joining the Erasmus+ community, Momentum took the lead in offering guidance and support to ensure a smooth collaboration across the consortium. At the core of this project is the spirit of “women supporting women,” and this mindset was evident throughout the discussions.
A major focus of the meeting was the Visual Resource Showcase, one of the HeadStart project’s key activities. This initiative, led by Momentum, involves curating a series of 12 interviews with accomplished women in AI. These interviews will showcase their careers, achievements, and the paths they’ve taken in AI, helping to challenge gender stereotypes and make AI more accessible and relatable for young women. The goal is to inspire the next generation of women in AI, offering a range of career perspectives and actionable advice.
Looking Ahead
The journey has just begun, and we are excited about the impact this project will have on young women and the AI landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue working toward empowering women in AI and breaking down barriers for future generations!
