The Long History of AI And Its Business Applications Today
January 7, 2025 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm ET | Lasell University, Science and Technology Center, Newton, MA Register Now
ChatGPT launched generative artificial intelligence two years ago comparable to what browsers did for the internet in the 1990s. But, the roots of AI date back to the 1940s. Compute power enabled the AI take off.
AI is the very shiny, new object attracting hype-level attention: a growing number of platforms to develop applications, hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in AI companies and businesses using AI, and claims of significant workplace results.
In this program you will learn:
- The eight-decade development of AI and why it’s taken off in the last few years.
- How it will impact many industries and professions.
- What initial applications may be best for your business.
- What a pioneer in generative AI has learned that you should know if you’re developing products or services.
Panel Speakers
Agi Sardi
Technology InnovatorAgi Sardi will explain how AI got to where it is today and how it may impact medicine, biochemistry, robotics, automation, and the defense industry. With three technical degrees and a MBA followed by a leadership position in Raytheon’s Advanced Technology Laboratory, Sardi will also detail what skills will help you succeed with this fast-changing technology.
Kurt Wirth
Assistant Professor of Communication at Lasell UniversityAssistant Professor of Communication at Lasell University as well as the school’s Faculty Fellow for AI and Pedagogical Innovation. He will present use cases for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and how he’s using AI at Lasell.
Kara Peterson
Co-Founder of descrybe.aiCo-founder with her husband of descrybe.ai, will talk about recognition for and acceptance of the legal AI-based application and how the product has advanced in year two.
A seasoned marketing communications executive, Peterson has dedicated her career to organizations with social justice missions. She previously served as Chief Communications Officer at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she contributed to the Apple Women’s Health Study; Executive Director of Communications at Boston University School of Public Health; and Director of Communications at Suffolk University Law School.
She is an active leader and volunteer in the legal tech, AI, and women-in-business ecosystems. Peterson serves as Chair of the Communications Committee for the Justice Technology Association, a member of the RAILS (Responsible AI in Legal Services) Special Committee at the Duke Center on Law & Technology, and a contributor to the all-volunteer AI Blueprint for Massachusetts initiative. Additionally, she is an inaugural member of the prestigious Boston University Questrom Women in Business Alumni Council as of December 2024.
A recognized advocate for responsible AI and AI for good, Kara was named a “Woman of Legal Tech 2024” by the American Bar Association. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and podcasts and has garnered significant accolades for descrybe.ai, including a 2024 Anthem Award for Best Use of AI, a Webby Award nomination, and two American Legal Technology Awards for Startup of the Year and AI innovation.
Peterson holds an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. She lives in Greater Boston with her husband, two children, and two dogs.
Moderator/Organizer
Howard Sholkin
VP, ENETHoward Sholkin has several decades of marketing communication experience across industry sectors. Since 2018, he has served as President of Newton Community Pride, a non-profit supporting a few dozen events in the city where he is a lifelong resident. In 2014, he formed Sholkin Consulting to deliver digital marketing services to technology and financial services companies. He also served on the adjunct faculty of Boston University and Lasell College for five years.
In 2003, he was hired as director of corporate communications at International Data Group (IDG) where he served Founder Pat McGovern. Sholkin later became director of communication and marketing programs for the CEO of IDG Communications, a global technology media and events subsidiary. IDG brands include Computerworld, PCWorld, Macworld, and CIO. Sholkin has held senior marketing and communication positions at technology product and services companies such as Computervision; Technology Concepts, a subsidiary of Bell Atlantic; Corporate Software; and, Digital Equipment Corp./Compaq. He was a columnist for PR News and for Personal Branding magazine, one of the first publications on social media.
Since 1990, Sholkin has been active in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) where he once served as president of the Boston chapter. Currently, he is co-chair of the national PRSA Investment Committee. He serves on the boards of three non-profits: Newton Community Pride, Boston Entrepreneurs Network (ENET) and Temple Shalom of Newton.
The venue for this event is Lasell University Science and Technology Center. Navigate to 11 Central Street in Newton MA. This will bring you to the parking lot of the Science and Technology Center. See the map below – park, go up the ramp on the right side of the building, at the top turn left and enter through the glass doors.
