Anna Kawakami

To elevate worker, community, and other stakeholder expertise, I research approaches to expand participation in the design and evaluation of human-AI systems, develop AI governance processes informed by on-the-ground practices and needs, and inform policymaking at the federal and state level. I also critically examine why and how AI design decisions are impacted by, and impact, the historical devaluation of worker skills.

My research leads me to work cyclically across multiple levels, from observing worker practices on-the-ground to creating design interventions at the interface, model, and organization levels. Beyond doing research, I connect with organizational leaders, media journalists, and policymakers to enact real-world changes to policy and practice.