Ada Lopez, head of the Product Diversity Office at Lenovo, embodies all of these things.
I was lucky to get some time with her at the recentLenovo Tech Worldconference in Seattle.
From age 11 to 18, I lived with eight different families, she said.
Lenovo’s Ada Lopez headshot.Ada Lopez / Lenovo
Lopez earned a degree in biology and education, setting out on a decade-long teaching career.
She found a particular passion for working with students with disabilities.
Lopez discovered JAWSa Windows-based program for people with visual impairmentswhich helped this student get an A in the class.
Ada Lopez on the right, on stage at the Lenovo conference.Ada Lopez / Lenovo
The kids in the program said, ‘We love this book.
What else do you have?’
I had nothing else.
And I’m like, I have to make more, something more," she said.
With Lenovo today, Lopez continues her passion for inclusivity.
Her role includes collaborating with schools for the visually impaired to help create Lenovos products for broader accessibility.
One project had her examining her process.
I thought I was going to do a STEM activity, like teach them something.
AI Accessibility
Lopezs work goes beyond product development at Lenovo: shes helping shape an inclusive future.
This includes AI products that must work across different skin tones, genders, and abilities.
She pointed to Lenovos collaboration with the Scott Morgan Foundation as pivotal.
The project uses AI to enhance the quality of life for individuals with ALS.
Lopez said that dedication to inclusivity isnt just about compliance but about understanding real-life needs.
Confronting Bias
Another area where Lopezs team has made strides is reducing bias in our everyday technology.
For example, LenovosSmart Appearancevideo conferencing software now addresses issues like skin tone sensitivity and gender representation.
This software initially allowed users to adjust facial features in video conferencing.
However, Lopezs team quickly realized that the software needed a diversity review.
Lopez believes that times are changing, pointing out the number of women on stage at the conference.
What she sees is an opportunity.
I see a changing landscape, she said.
I see hope, and optimism, right?
And definitely find a community of women in tech for those rough moments.
And if you’re having a hard day, they’ll lift your spirits.
