The Power of an AI Community.

The future of work isn’t just about simply understanding AI, it’s about how we choose to apply it. For some, it’s a source of inspiration and opportunity. A powerful tool to boost productivity and strategic thinking. For others, the rapid evolution of technology is daunting and overwhelming. They may feel lost–or left behind.

Regardless of where you are, one thing is clear: navigating this landscape alone is a challenge. The sheer volume of AI education and rapid pace of advancements is difficult for one individual to keep up with.  The most powerful tool isn’t necessarily the latest AI app or workflow, it’s each other. The key to thriving in an AI-driven workforce is a community where we can contribute insights, share lessons learned, and grow together through deep conversations and hands-on learning.

Filling the gaps with an AI community

Not surprisingly, interest in learning AI through community has skyrocketed. In early 2025, several future leaders of Women Applying AI (WAAI) posted an informal survey to understand the needs of women looking to apply AI professionally. The survey immediately gained traction–with over 1700 views in just two hours.

Responses flooded in from women in various professional capacities, including entrepreneurs, consultants, educators, C-Suite executives, students, researchers, data scientists, and engineers. The number one issue? Access to education and skills training, followed by limited networking opportunities, gender bias & workplace challenges, and the lack of mentorship/role models.

The results were undeniable. Women are craving an AI community that can provide:

• AI skill building and learning
• Community and peer support
• Professional connections and networking
• Discussions around AI and ethics

A majority of respondents reported that they were not part of such a community yet–but were interested in filling that gap. Soon after that, the WAAI movement began to take shape. Over the summer of 2025, our LinkedIn followers grew 800% in just weeks. Hundreds of women registered for our free events to connect and collaborate. The excitement was palpable.

Women on their journey to using AI with confidence

In a more recent LinkedIn survey, WAAI found that 88% of respondents are already using AI to make their work life easier. We’re excited that women aren’t just learning about AI, they are actively adopting itand leading the way.

Where are you in your AI journey at work?

However, many women responded that they are still in the testing phase, or don’t even know where to start. And research shows that women are applying AI at a 25% lower rate than their male counterparts. While AI seems to be everywhere, it can feel overwhelming to start. It is estimated that in 2024 alone, over 4,000 AI apps were created, and it can feel impossible to keep up. Learning AI technology is one thing, and using it to amplify your work is another.

There is a seat at the WAAI table, no matter where you are in your AI proficiency. We’ve created an inclusive and supportive environment to foster hands-on learning, such as skill-building workshops, case-based workshops to solve real world problems, roundtable discussions, and events that educate and inspire.

Learning with a peer network makes it safe to not know everything– or anything–about AI, and how to use it to advance your professional impact.

• Non-judgement space to ask questions
• Validation that you are not alone
• Understand the vocabulary
• Explore the possibilities with hands-on applications

This isn’t just about individual learning or productivity, it’s about a collective shift happening across industries. Women Applying AI’s mission is to empower women to amplify and shape the future of this transformative technology. As founding member Dr. Patti Fletcher writes, “when women lead from abundance, we don’t hoard knowledge—we multiply it.” Join our community to discover the power of learning and leading with AI together.