Beauty pageants aren’t known as hotbeds of tech innovation, but one Kiwi AI researcher is looking to defy the stereotypes while supporting Māori entrepreneurs.
Shae Parsons, a Master of Computer & Information Science student and Māori tech advocate, is blending technology and cultural advocacy as a Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 finalist.
As an AI researcher and product manager, Parsons is committed to using tech to drive real change.
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Merging Technology with Cultural Advocacy
Parsons’ dissertation focuses on using neural networks to predict business outcomes for Māori entrepreneurs.
Her AI tool combines data from various business platforms, offering predictive insights to help Māori businesses thrive, particularly in these economically challenging times.
“I’m not just challenging pageantry stereotypes – I’m using tech to create tangible change for Māori businesses,” says Shae.
Beyond her research, Shae volunteers with She Sharp, promoting gender diversity in technology and mentoring young Māori and Pasifika students.
“I want to be a role model and show young Māori that they have a place in tech,” she says.
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A Voice on AI at the Aotearoa AI Summit
At the recent Aotearoa AI Summit, Parsons spoke alongside Kallol Dutta, Head of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Spark, and Nick McDonnell, Head of Data and Analytics at Auror, in a panel moderated by Louise Taylor, Senior Associate at Russell McVeagh. They discussed the future of AI and how diversity fosters better collaboration.
“To build AI that serves society, we need to collaborate across business, government, and academia to ensure transparency and ethical standards,” Parsons says.
Taking Māori Innovation to the Global Stage
For Parsons, the Miss Universe platform is about more than just a title – it’s a chance to showcase Māori innovation in tech on the world stage.
“I want to inspire young Māori women to see the potential of tech and the opportunities it holds,” she explains.
