Foreword

By Ken Bouyer, EY Americas Director of Inclusiveness Recruiting

EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, and tax services with a purpose of building a better working world. While fulfilling their purpose and creating positive change through knowledge, skills, and experience, EY and GenHERation^® have partnered for 10 years to close the gender leadership gap and create life-changing opportunities for high school and college women. Since its inception, EY has been a steadfast partner of GenHERation^®, aligning with its mission to empower entrepreneurs. Witnessing their growth and accomplishments throughout our partnership has been deeply gratifying. EY acknowledges the urgency to address the gender gap, investing more than just financially by dedicating the time and effort of our team. This engagement with GenHERation^® has proved to be both enriching and rewarding for our staff. I believe that we must actively confront the unique challenges faced by women through targeted support and awareness. This sense of urgency has been underscored by my daughter’s recent experiences in college. She has declared Biology as her major, and I have witnessed firsthand the ongoing need to raise awareness of opportunities for women in certain disciplines and how programs like this play a key role. To celebrate our partnership and further amplify our impact, we are interviewing 10 EY leaders, innovators, and changemakers to highlight their expertise and inspire the GenHERation^® community to turn insight into action. 

Here is what EY Americas Energy AI and Responsible AI Leader, Samta Kapoor, had to say when asked about leveraging artificial intelligence:

GenHERation^®: What one word best describes EY?

Samta Kapoor: Stellar.

GenHERation^®: In your current role, what are your primary responsibilities? 

Kapoor: In my current role, I serve as the EY Americas Energy AI and Responsible AI Leader, as well as the Data Lead for Oil and Gas. In a nutshell, my job is to help companies transform using artificial intelligence (AI) and data responsibly. I also have the privilege of building high-impact teams.

GenHERation^®: What are three ways artificial intelligence can help companies build a better working world?  

Kapoor:

• Responsible use of AI: We are in a world where the technology is changing every minute. While it’s extremely transformative, it’s imperative for everyone to think about AI responsibly to create a better working world. For example, when AI is used to make hiring decisions, it’s important to ensure that the results are not biased and that there’s transparency around the reasons for the selection. 
• AI for training: The EY AI Anxiety Survey found that 80% of the workforce wants more AI training and upskilling opportunities; however, 63% of respondents said they weren’t sure if they will get access to training. Companies can use AI to generate training programs and make it accessible to their workforces. This would reduce the anxiety surrounding the tech and get more people onboard to see the benefits.
• AI-powered solutions for employees: Using AI to complete repetitive and mundane tasks would help employees focus on high-value work, for example, processing invoices, financial analysis, etc. 

GenHERation^®: How do you make an impact in your role?

Kapoor: Using AI and data to better businesses and communities is a passion of mine. Being able to bring that passion to work is how I make an impact in my role. Being able to bring thought leadership all the way to execution is something that has immensely helped me build long-term relationships with our client executives.

GenHERation^®: What advice would you give your younger self?

Kapoor: You’ve got this!

Samta Kapoor is a principal at Ernst & Young LLP and the EY Americas Energy AI and Responsible AI Leader. Samta has over 15 years of experience in data and AI to help organizations make data-driven decisions to drive organizational change and deliver value responsibly. She is a strategic problem solver with proficiencies in data and AI strategy; data management; environmental, social and governance; responsible AI; and governance.

Samta is a technology evangelist for Fortune 500 companies. She is fundamental in shaping how organizations approach AI to achieve the extraordinary with trust and ethics at the forefront. She is passionate about helping organizations use data, AI and machine learning to innovate, create new products and services, and optimize business processes. She is based in San Francisco.