AI & Ambition: How These Women Are Redefining Leadership Without a Tech Degree | Live Panel

Can you break into AI without a tech degree
Absolutely, and these women are proof.

In this Career Confidence live panel from our sold-out Sisterhood Social: AI & Ambition, we sit down with three incredible leaders in AI, data, and tech who didn’t come from traditional STEM backgrounds, yet today, they’re shaping the future of work.

Whether you’re looking to pivot into tech, lead with empathy, or simply understand what AI means for your career, this raw, real conversation will inspire your next bold move.

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👯‍♀️ Sisterhood Club - Website: https://www.sisterhoodclub.io/

🔗 Connect with Georgie - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiehubbard/

Thanks to our event sponsors - CH Talent Solutions - https://ch.solutions

Unisuper - https://www.unisuper.com.au/

7-Eleven - https://www.7eleven.com.au/

SERV - https://servictoria.com.au/

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❓ Questions We Asked To the Panelists:

🔸What did your early career look like, and how did you land in AI?

🔸Can someone pivot into AI without coding or a technical degree?

🔸What human skills will matter most in the future of work?

🔸How can people overcome imposter syndrome when entering tech?

🔸What’s the biggest risk for businesses adopting AI too slowly?

🔸How do you bring your team on the AI journey without fear?

🔸Who should be accountable for ethical and inclusive AI?

🔸How can someone start learning AI tools and terminology today?

🔸What role does empathy play in modern leadership?

🔸What advice would you give to someone scared to start?

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👩‍💻 Meet the Speakers:

Lou Compagnone - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loucompagnone/

Francesca “Chess” Salvo - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chesssalvo/

Akanksha Malik - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akankshamalik96/

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Free AI Resources from the Episode

AI Skills Passport (AiSP (Association of Information Security Professionals)) with EY- no prior technical background and 150 scholarships: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/newsroom/2025/02/ey-and-microsoft-expand-social-impact-collaboration-to-equip-the-next-generation-with-ai-skills#:~:text=The%20EY%20organization%20and%20Microsoft%20announced%20today%20the,and%20apply%20them%20to%20various%20industries%20and%20careers.

IAT-D microskills from TAFE NSW that eliminate risk for women to "try on" a future tech career: https://store.training.tafensw.edu.au/product-category/iat/iat-digital/#view-courses

Digital Sisters: AI for Good - Infoxchange, Telstra, & Microsoft partnership with Good Things Foundation- Supporting refugee and migrant women: https://goodthingsaustralia.org/news/digital-sisters-ai#:~:text=%E2%80%98Digital%20Sisters%3A%20AI%20for%20Good%E2%80%99%20is%20an%20innovative,purpose%20of%20creating%20a%20more%20digitally%20inclusive%20country.

10kWomen AI Advantage AI-900: https://www.openlearning.com/akkodisacademy/courses/10kwomen-ai-advantage-ai-900/?cl=1&redirectTo=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.openlearning.com%2Fakkodisacademy%2Fcourses%2F10kwomen-ai-advantage-ai-900%2Fhomepage%2F%3Fcl%3D1%26moduleSet%3DDefault

Code; Without Barriers: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/codewithoutbarriers/skilling