In recent years, the conversation around women in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), has become increasingly prominent. TechCrunch, a leading voice in tech journalism, has featured Marissa Hummon, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Utilidata, as part of their Women in AI series. Hummon embodies the essence of innovation at the intersection of gender equity and sustainable energy, demonstrating how diverse leadership can drive systemic change in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Hummon’s journey in the energy sector reveals a significant challenge: reinventing the utility industry’s approach to sustainability. As she pointed out, the work at Utilidata is fundamentally about pushing against the status quo. “AI can provide utilities with the necessary tools to create a clean, modern, and reliable grid,” she noted. This assertion underscores the transformative potential of AI to revolutionize not only operational efficiency but also environmental sustainability.
Starting at the National Renewable Energy Lab, Hummon focused on mitigating carbon emissions, a critical issue in our ongoing climate crisis. Her experience in shifting the energy sector away from carbon-heavy practices to greener alternatives illustrates the importance of innovative thinking in energy sustainability. She remains a steadfast advocate for utilizing advanced technologies and methods—a perspective that was established during her early career when traditional modeling techniques proved inadequate. Shifting to numerical methods and machine learning was not just innovative; it was essential for overcoming industry limitations, showcasing the need for continual adaptation to new technologies.
A salient aspect of Hummon’s narrative is her reflection on the gender disparity in the engineering field. As she transitioned from academia to industry, she became acutely aware of the diminishing presence of women. This stark observation is indicative of a broader systemic issue faced by many women across technical disciplines. Hummon’s revelation about being held to higher standards than her male counterparts speaks volumes about the implicit biases that persist in professional environments, particularly in STEM fields.
As a leader, Hummon takes on the mantle of responsibility to pave the way for future women engineers. She advocates for systemic change that transcends the surface-level initiatives often adopted by organizations. Creating pathways for women to rise in their careers requires not only recruitment efforts but also robust mentoring, equitable recognition, and an inclusive workplace culture. “The change we need is not just in practice; it must be systemic and widespread,” Hummon emphasizes. This perspective invites a collective effort from both men and women to foster a more diverse and balanced workforce.
Hummon’s advice for women entering the AI sector carries an inherent optimism: “Being a woman can be an advantage.” This assertion highlights the significance of diversity in driving technological breakthroughs. By bringing different life experiences and worldviews to the table, women can offer unique insights that foster innovation. Encouraging women to seek employment in organizations dedicated to diversity and inclusion is a vital strategy to ensure equitable representation in leadership.
However, Hummon advises prospective employees to dig deeper than surface-level claims of diversity. Rather than relying solely on corporate statements, job seekers should assess potential employers based on their actions and commitments throughout the hiring process. This approach not only supports women in finding supportive workplaces but also holds companies accountable for their diversity initiatives.
While Hummon champions the role of AI in enhancing operational effectiveness, she also stresses the importance of acknowledging its limitations. As an “expert assistant,” AI is not a panacea for all problems. Understanding the training and underlying data of AI models is crucial for identifying and mitigating biases. “AI is only as good as the data and information it was trained on,” she asserts, underscoring that a nuanced understanding of AI is essential for ethical application in any industry.
Moreover, Hummon’s proactive stance on data security showcases the accountability required when integrating AI systems. By maintaining local data storage at Utilidata, she prioritizes privacy and security—a critical component of responsible AI deployment. Her insights emphasize that investors and stakeholders must critically evaluate how companies use AI, pushing for responsible practices tailored to the complexities of each industry.
Marissa Hummon’s journey in the energy sector illuminates the vital intersections between gender equity, AI, and sustainability. As women continue to break barriers in technology and energy, their unique perspectives will be crucial in shaping the future of these industries. The call for systemic change resonates not just within the walls of Utilidata but throughout the broader landscape of technology and energy. By cultivating environments that support diverse voices, the industry can ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for all.