Key Takeaways:
– Born in Cuba, Ada Lopez heads the Product Diversity Office at Lenovo.
– She started her career as a teacher before transitioning into the tech industry.
– Her mission is to create an inclusive tech space through developing products that cater to everyone.
– She champions inclusivity in AI technology and tirelessly works to eliminate bias in tech tools.
– Lopez encourages aspiring women in tech to find mentors and leverage the power of allyship.
A Journey Shaped By Adversity and Aspiration
Diversity and inclusion are terms synonymous with Ada Lopez, the head of the Product Diversity Office at Lenovo. Born in Cuba, Lopez faced challenges early in life after losing her mother in a car accident at 11 years old. From age 11 to 18, she lived with eight different families and despite adversities, she found refuge in education and mentorship.
She owes her academic success to a compassionate school teacher, who offered her a home if she managed to complete her high school and college education. Lopez did not disappoint, earning a degree in Biology and Education. This steered her towards a decade-long teaching career and opened her eyes to an area she’d grow passionate about — assistive technology.
Tackling Education Barriers with Technology
As a dedicated teacher, Lopez worked diligently with students with disabilities. Entrusted by a student with visual and motor impairments who wanted to learn without having coursework simplified, Lopez introduced ‘JAWS’, a Windows-based program. This program was designed to aid those with visual impairments and was instrumental in enabling the student to excel in her class.
Not content with the difference she’d already made, Lopez joined an educational software company to reach more students. Here, she led a project that utilized tactile overlays and audio technology to help children with disabilities understand the star lifecycle. The process had been overwhelmingly successful, encouraging her to develop more inclusive educational materials.
Inclusive Technology with Lenovo
Today, at Lenovo, inclusivity is at the heart of everything Lopez does. She works closely with schools for the visually impaired, ensuring that Lenovo’s products are geared towards broader accessibility. Her initiatives reach far and beyond the confines of product development. She’s also an active contributor to shaping an inclusive future for AI technology.
One such endeavor is Lenovo’s collaboration with the Scott Morgan Foundation, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with ALS using AI. Not only does Lopez oversee this, but she’s also ensured that every AI product goes through a rigorous internal process for accessibility, proving Lenovo’s commitment towards inclusivity goes beyond mere compliance.
Addressing Bias Head-On
Lopez’s team is also dedicated to reducing bias in everyday technology. Lenovo’s Smart Appearance video conferencing software, which initially allowed users to adjust facial features, tasted success after a detailed diversity review led by Lopez. The software now adjusts neutrally across skin tones and is sensitive to gender nuances — a testament to the team’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Shaping the Future of Tech Industry
Despite the strides taken towards inclusivity, Lopez admits there are still gaps to be filled. Particularly, she points out a lack of women in the tech field. That said, seeing increasing female representation at the recent Lenovo conference gave her hope that the industry is evolving.
For aspiring tech women, Lopez’s advice is to find mentors of different genders and learn the virtue of allies. She also established the importance of finding a community of women in the tech industry to support during tough times. Through her personal journey and steadfast resilience, Lopez continues to pave the way towards a more inclusive tech canvas.