Women in Voice and Google Assistant Double Down on Amplifying, Connecting and Equipping Women in Voice AI

May 3, 2022 

Women in Voice (WiV), the global 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to equip, amplify and connect women in the field of voice technology and conversational AI, recently announced Google Assistant’s sponsorship of the second annual Women in Voice Summit.

Initially launched by Leslie Garcia-Amaya and Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek, this partnership continues the momentum Women in Voice and Google Assistant started in 2020 by featuring a series of thought leadership panels and high caliber tech talks. This partnership is the result of long-term team of collaborators and contributors including Leslie Garcia-Amaya, Caitlin Gutekunst, Cathy Pearl, Meryl Stone, Erin Hash, Megan Grace, Jessica Dene Earley-Cha, Maddy Apple, and Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek, Founder of Women in Voice.

“Google Assistant’s partnership with WiV has made tremendous impact for women and nonbinary folks in voice at every career level,” said Maddy Apple, Chief Operating Officer at Women in Voice. 

“Their platinum sponsorship of the Women in Voice Inaugural Summit in 2021 made it possible to create a truly unique environment for vibrant learning and relationship-building. Women in Voice and allies from 67 countries and over 600 companies were inspired to learn and connect with our global community at this flagship WiV event.”

“The first #WiVSummit was such an amazing experience! It was a pure joy meeting so many incredible people from all over the world. Even as a novice to the field, I felt part of a community. Now I am even more motivated to work in voice. Thank you a lot Women in Voice for organizing this conference.”  —WiV 2021 Summit Attendee

Rebecca Nathenson and Dr. Rupal Patel were Keynote Speakers at the 2021 Women in Voice Summit

Recognition for Women and Legacies in the Field 

Following the 2021 Summit, WiV hosted their inaugural WiV Awards ceremony. Out of 36 finalists, 3 were Googlers and 2 of those Googlers won an official WiV Award. With 1.2K votes, the awards brought attention to the immense talent of women within the Voice community.

Google’s sponsorship has had a tremendous impact on the WiV membership program, which has grown by 990% since the partnership began in 2020. Additionally, 4 new Chapters around the world have been founded; the launch of Women in Voice Africa marks the 6th continent with a local WiV community!

True Community Partnership 

Googlers are proud to collaborate with Women in Voice and eager to contribute to the community. Google Assistant Developer Advocate Jessica Dene Earley-Cha recently hosted the Women in Voice women’s month panel, focused on demystifying careers in Voice AI in efforts to inspire more women to join the field.

Featured Speakers: Mahak Sharma, Luyan Chi, Spandana Jaggumantri, Jessica Dene Earley-Cha  

Celebrating Brilliant Women at Every Level

WiV and Google Assistant share a commitment to shine a light on rising stars as well as senior women in the industry. Board members include Googlers Cathy Pearl and Leslie Garcia-Amaya. Another Googler, Karen Kaushansky, recently co-founded WiV Switzerland.

“It’s been such a pleasure to watch Women in Voice grow from a kernel of an idea into a full-fledged non-profit,” said board member Cathy Pearl.

“The first WiV summit, in 2021, was an incredibly smooth experience, and I heard glowing praise from a lot of attendees. I have also been impressed with the educational and mentoring opportunities WiV offers, such as the career accelerator program, which provides hands-on experience and guidance. And I’ve really enjoyed participating in the mentoring match-up, where I get to meet one-on-one with people I’ve never met. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next!”

The future is bright! In an ever-evolving landscape, this work is more important than ever.

Google Assistant will present a keynote at the WiV 2022 Summit on May 23. Join us to hear from Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde and Alana Karen as they discuss women joining – and staying – in the voice tech industry. Get your free tickets at womeninvoice.org/summit/.