In recent years, the discourse surrounding women in technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), has gained momentum, offering a platform to highlight groundbreaking contributors in this field. One such figure is Marissa Hummon, the Chief Technology Officer at Utilidata, an innovative company focused on enhancing the sustainability of the electric grid. Hummon’s journey through the largely male-dominated energy sector exemplifies not only her prowess in technological advancements but also her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Starting her career at the National Renewable Energy Lab, Hummon dove into the complexities of transitioning the energy landscape away from harmful carbon emissions towards more sustainable sources. Reflecting on her early days, she recounts that traditional modeling techniques proved inadequate, prompting her to embrace numerical methods and machine learning solutions. This intersection of traditional physics and new-age computing heralded a new era in energy research and laid the groundwork for her subsequent career moves.
Marissa Hummon’s experience in transitioning from academia to the engineering sectors unveiled stark realities about gender disparities. She observed a significant decline in female representation as she shifted from graduate studies to professional engineering environments. For Hummon, this disparity manifested as a pressure to exceed the already high standards set for her performance, compared to her male counterparts. Using her stature as a leader at Utilidata, Hummon emphasizes the responsibility that now rests upon her to pave the way for other women in engineering.
Her resolve to lead by example underscores a crucial paradigm shift that she advocates for: creating an environment where women not only participate but thrive. Hummon’s leadership style is rooted in mentorship—actively encouraging women to pursue opportunities and positions where they can excel. This, she asserts, is not solely women’s work; it requires men to take proactive roles in fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The change, according to Hummon, must manifest through systemic practices—encompassing everything from recruitment to equitable recognition down to supportive workplace cultures.
In her current role at Utilidata, Hummon is at the forefront of exploiting AI’s potential for utility operations. She expresses a keen understanding that while AI can significantly enhance efficiency and reliability within the electrical framework, it is not a panacea for all challenges facing the industry. Hummon admonishes users to approach AI with caution—recognizing its limitations is just as critical as harnessing its advantages. By acknowledging the intricacies of machine learning and the biases rooted in training datasets, Hummon affirms that users can better navigate the landscape of AI applications.
She also advocates for a proactive approach in understanding how AI models are constructed. Knowledge surrounding the foundational data and processing techniques is essential for managing bias, which can compromise the integrity of AI solutions. Her emphasis on due diligence aligns with her company’s decision to prioritize data security by ensuring local data management, a strategy that mitigates risks associated with cloud data breaches.
As the energy sector embraces technological advancements, investors are urged by Hummon to critically evaluate how companies leverage AI. With the conversation about responsible AI surfacing across numerous industries, there is a growing need for clear standards and practices that align with ethical considerations. Hummon suggests that the definition of responsible AI should be contextualized within each field to ensure that the balance between innovation and ethical integrity is maintained.
Her message to aspiring females entering the AI domain resonates clearly: uniqueness is a strength. Hummon urges women to recognize their distinct perspectives as vital contributions to technological breakthroughs. As more organizations prioritize diversity and inclusion, women should advocate for companies with demonstrable commitment in this regard, assessing potential employers through the lens of their hiring practices and workplace culture rather than surface-level claims.
Marissa Hummon’s insights transcend her individual achievements, presenting a compelling narrative of how women in AI can lead transformative changes in traditional industries like energy. Through a combination of advocacy for diversity, leveraging AI responsibly, and mentoring future generations, there is a path forward that not only uplifts women but also propels the entire energy sector towards a sustainable and equitable future. The shift towards a more inclusive workplace goes beyond individual aspirations—it involves a concerted, collective effort that institutions must embrace for meaningful change across the board.