An Evening With Dr. Ayanna Howard: REBOOTING THE MACHINES
A Fireside Chat on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Our Shared Future | Spelman College invites you to an evening with Dr. Ayanna Howard, the incoming 12th president, renowned artificial intelligence researcher and former roboticist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, for a timely conversation about the future of AI and its impact on society. In her new book, REBOOTING THE MACHINES: A New Human Vision for Artificial Intelligence (Broadleaf Books, Nov. 10, 2026), Dr. Howard challenges us to look beyond fears about artificial intelligence and consider how we can shape its development to reflect diverse perspectives, ethical principles and human values.
Join Dr. Howard and Rose Scott for a fireside chat exploring how AI will transform the workforce, why diversity among AI developers matters, how to address bias in emerging technologies and why building a responsible AI future requires collective action. The conversation will include an audience Q&A, followed by a book signing.
Event Schedule
4:30–5:45 p.m. – Book sales | All book proceeds go to Spelman College scholarships.
6 p.m. — Welcome and seating | Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby, Ed.D. Academic Center Auditorium
6:10 - 6:40 p.m. — Fireside chat with President Howard and Moderator Rose Scott (WAEB)
6:40 – 7 p.m. – Chat continues with President Howard and Dr. Kamau Bobb
7 - 7:20 p.m. – Audience Questions
7:30 p.m. – Book sales and book signing
Join us for an engaging discussion about the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities that come with artificial intelligence — and how we can help shape a future in which technology serves humanity.
