June 16th @ 6pm - "AI Alignment" at Harmony Library

We're still looking for a sponsor for pizza! Reach out to andres@redmage.cc with the subject line 'PIZZA HERO' if interested!

Join FoCo AI for an essential conversation about one of the most critical challenges facing artificial intelligence today. Open to all skill and interest levels in artificial intelligence! As AI systems become increasingly powerful and integrated into our daily lives, ensuring they remain aligned with human values and beneficial to a wide variety of people remains paramount. This has created a field of study and focus in AI called 'AI Alignment', where the focus is determining where the alignment problem is and how can we solve it.

This event will include talks from two amazing speakers (more info below), a Q+A session for attendees. Consider this an opportunity to get 'aligned' about AI alignment and practical examples on where misalignment can cause problems. Come be part of this important conversation about shaping AI's future in ways that benefit everyone. Register now to secure your spot!

## Featured Speakers + Topics

Erin Maruzzella, MBA
Founder + Managing Partner, Healthspan Business Partners

AI alignment is a technical challenge with a human impact. This talk will explore how we can build AI systems to align with the needs, values, and lived experiences of people across the lifespan. Drawing on her work with the Colorado Commission on Aging, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the American Society on Aging, Erin will share real-world approaches for AI governance that are designed to address bias and increase trust. She believe that inclusive, intentional design can align AI solutions with the realities of every age and every stage of life.

Erin brings a 15-year-long career as a healthcare provider, an Executive MBA in Health Administration, and a diverse public and private network of expert partners to her design consulting and business coaching approach. She is herself an expert in an age-aware, systems-thinking strategies that support the business case for longevity products, systems, and spaces. Through Healthspan Business Partners, she leads cross-sector design projects that guide AI governance, policy, and implementation strategy, with a focus on equity for all ages and stages of life. Hercustomers include government policymakers, academic researchers, nonprofit organizations, and innovative tech industry startups in Life Sciences, HealthTech, and AgeTech verticals.

Michael Szczepaniak, MS
Data Scientist & FoCo Data Science Meetup Organizer

This talk will introduce us to the alignment problem which has been a constant companion of humans throughout our history. As we progressed from stone tools to nuclear power, we've so far been able to mitigate much of the negative side-effects of each new advancement. As the power and promise of AI start to come into focus, so does the need to understand the risks these new tools pose not only to our every day lives, but to our very existence as a species.

Michael fell in love with Data Science while taking a graduate course in machine learning in 2008. Since then, he went on to earn his masters in Data Science from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2024. Before that, he worked as a Data Scientist for a government contractor doing operations research for 6 years. He also has been running the Fort Collins Data Science Meetup since 2016.

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Hosted by FoCo AI for Everyone - Fort Collins' community for artificial intelligence discussion and education.

Fort Collins AI for Everyone is a sub-group of the Rocky Mountain AI Interest Group focused on the Fort Collins area.Our emphasis is on creating an inclusive space and bringing diverse perspectives regarding AI as it affects key facets of the Fort Collins Community, as well as society in general. Whether you are a seasoned AI engineer, or trying to find out what AI even is, we endeavor to create a space where all are welcome.

## See more about the group at https://linktr.ee/rmaiig_foco.

Connect with RMAIIG!
RMAIIG Group Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rmaiig
RMAIIG Group Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/rmaiig/shared_invite/zt-2oqy6vepv-WFdvmfp1ceQU9LcnQZvQaw