Artificial intelligence is one of the most transformative technologies of our time and the women driving its progress are reshaping not just the technology, but the way it benefits society. From ethical leadership and foundational research to product innovation and public policy, women across the globe are leading the AI adoption revolution.
Here are the Top 10 Women in the World of AI in 2026 whose work is making an extraordinary impact.
1. Fei-Fei Li
A globally respected AI researcher and educator, Fei-Fei Li’s work in computer vision and cognitive AI continues to influence both academic research and real-world applications. She has been instrumental in advancing human-centered AI and expanding access to AI education and ethics.
2. Timnit Gebru
A leading voice in AI ethics, Timnit Gebru focuses on algorithmic fairness, bias mitigation, and inclusive data practices. Her research highlights the social impact of AI systems and advocates for diverse representation and accountability in AI development.
3. Daphne Koller
A pioneer in AI applications for life sciences and education, Daphne Koller’s work bridges machine learning with real-world challenges such as drug discovery and personalized learning. Her contributions highlight the potential of AI for societal benefit.
4. Kate Crawford
As a prominent scholar and author on the societal implications of AI, Kate Crawford examines how AI intersects with labor, inequality, culture, and power. Her insights inform responsible AI governance and public understanding of technology’s impact.
5. Joy Buolamwini
Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, Joy Buolamwini has been a driving force in exposing bias in AI systems, particularly in facial analysis and recognition. Her advocacy has influenced industry and policy toward more equitable technology.
6. Natasha Jaques
An expert in reinforcement learning and human-AI interaction, Natasha Jaques explores how AI can learn from and collaborate with people more effectively and ethically. Her research pushes forward how machines and humans can work together.
7. Celeste Kidd
A cognitive scientist whose work informs how learning systems should adapt and behave, Celeste Kidd brings deep insights into how AI can better align with human expectations and cognitive processes. Her interdisciplinary approach fuels advances in trustworthy AI.
8. Merve Hickok
An expert in AI ethics, risk, and policy, Merve Hickok works on frameworks for safe and reliable AI. She helps organizations and governments build accountability and transparency into AI systems that impact public life.
9. Rumman Chowdhury
With a background in ethics, data science, and public policy, Rumman Chowdhury leads AI governance initiatives that address real-world risks and drive responsible adoption. Her work empowers companies and communities to use AI in equitable and safe ways.
10. Anima Anandkumar
A leader in machine learning research and AI systems design, Anima Anandkumar combines theoretical breakthroughs with practical impact. Her work spans tensor methods, deep learning, and scalable AI architectures helping bridge the gap between research and industry innovation.
Why These Women Matter
The women listed above stand out for their contributions to:
Innovation: Pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.
Ethics & Policy: Championing fairness, safety, transparency, and public good.
Education & Outreach: Making AI accessible, inclusive, and understandable.
Real-World Impact: Applying AI to societal challenges, healthcare, environment, and community development.
Their leadership underlines that AI isn’t just about technology it’s about how we apply it responsibly to serve people, industries, and global futures. AI success isn’t measured solely by algorithms or performance metrics it’s shaped by the people behind the innovation. The women featured here are not only advancing the state of AI technology but are also guiding how AI integrates with society in ethical and inclusive ways. As the field continues to evolve, their voices and contributions will remain critical to creating an AI ecosystem that reflects diverse perspectives and serves humanity broadly.
