Cristina Zaga, an assistant professor at UT, has been nominated for the prestigious AI Diversity Leader Award from Women in AI. This nomination acknowledges her pioneering efforts to drive inclusion and diversity in artificial intelligence, setting a benchmark for equitable AI practices that empower underrepresented communities and promote fairness in technology.

The AI Diversity Leader Award, presented by Women in AI in partnership with Capgemini, celebrates individuals driving diversity, ethical standards, and equity in AI. Women in AI (WAI), a global nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in AI, empowers women and underrepresented groups through advocacy, education, and community-building initiatives. The award, part of the 2025 Women in AI Benelux Awards, honours leaders who have made notable contributions to ethical AI, diversified development teams, and equitable policies in tech. As an industry advocate, Dr. Cristina Zaga exemplifies these values through her steadfast commitment to building an inclusive AI future where technology serves diverse communities fairly and accurately.

Responsible Futuring

Zaga, Assistant Professor in the Human-Centred Design group and DesignLab, has significantly contributed to advancing AI diversity through initiatives focused on justice, care, and solidarity. Her research bridges the future of work, care, and AI, pioneering transdisciplinary approaches that integrate design justice, speculative design, and more-than-human perspectives. In collaboration with colleagues at the UT’s DesignLab, Zaga co-developed Responsible Futuring, a transdisciplinary framework that addresses societal challenges across academic and non-academic communities.

Impact and numerous accolades

Zaga is a recognized authority in human-AI interaction, critical design, and transdisciplinary methodologies. This nomination also highlights her role in community and industry engagement. She spearheaded the JEDAI (Justice, Equity, and Diversity in AI) and DEI4Embodied AI initiatives, which address the dehumanising impacts of AI and promote social and environmental justice. Her impact has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the NWO Science Prize for DEI initiatives (2022), the Dutch Higher Education Award for the Transdisciplinary Master Insert (2022), and the Google Women Techmaker Award (2018). Her thought leadership in ethical AI and diversity is further evidenced through keynote speaking engagements and features in notable publications.

The winner of the AI Diversity Leader Award will be announced at the Women in Ai Benelux Awards 2025. Dr. Zaga joins a distinguished group of women who are redefining the role of artificial intelligence in modern society by taking the road less travelled, paving the way for others to reach even further and dare to dream even bigger.

Source: Woman in AI