Hi Reader,
2025 had a lot of wins.
Also, a lot of WTFs (she says as the Epstein files were just released…)
We’re gathering tomorrow at Social Saturday to share both. The wins - personal, societal, AI-wise. The WTFs of all sizes and shapes. I hope you’ll come.
In both WIN and WTF categories for me: This was the year of doing scary shit, usually in public. In front of people I deeply respect….and random strangers with opinions.
What did I know about hosting an in person conference during a political era when travel to the US is so unpopular?
Nothing. Did it anyway (thank goodness it was so awesome!)
I’d stalled on a podcast for years.
Finally launched it. I hope you’ve enjoyed an episode or two (see below!)
Negotiated brand partnerships I had no blueprint for, and no business asking for. We brought in some incredible new partners to amplify She Leads AI. Shout out to the AI Salon, Osano, Empowered Fundraiser, the Assist, Stratovation Partners, Fundraise Up, Cause Fokus, DIY Influence, Empowered by AI podcast, Not.Bot and many others! So many people and orgs rallied around us even though we are so new. They aligned with our values.
In each case, I could’ve (should’ve?) waited.
Waited for everything to be perfectly outlined and documented. Pretty. Neat. Unassailable.
But we’d still be in planning mode. None of it would exist.
If perfection were the requirement, we’d never move.So we went with done. Done is soooo much better than perfect.
As we head into reflection before 2026 is here, I’m hopeful you have your own list of wins and “well, that turned out better than I thought” and even a few WTFs.
See you tomorrow?
Warmly,
🗓️ Women in AI - Don't Miss It!
She Leads AI Social Saturday: It's the Last Social Saturday of the Year!
Saturday, December 20
10am - Noon Pacific
Zoom
It's been a YEAR.
What stood out for you in 2025? In your personal AI journey or the world’s?
So many WTFs….and lots of wins, too! We want to hear it all.
Join us on Saturday to roast/toast 2025.
Hosted by Carmela Pereira and Jasmine Schwarz
Register for Social Saturdays at SheLeadsAI.ai
📢 Women in AI Making an Impact
Erica Lincoln is a research strategist with deep expertise in grants leadership, acquisition planning, and performance management. Currently a Research Coordinator at Virginia Tech, she brings over 20 years of federal service to advancing research and development initiatives. From the USDA to the Department of the Army, Erica’s leadership bridges government and academic sectors, driving impact through strategic collaboration, budget oversight, and a sharp focus on operational excellence.
Jennifer Seigler is a dynamic healthcare project leader, currently Chief of Staff and Project Director for Clinical Experience at Ascension. With 15+ years in healthcare and a background in marketing, she’s led national-scale programs, including 70+ COVID testing sites at CommonSpirit Health. Jennifer’s expertise spans disaster recovery, infrastructure planning, and CRM strategy—bringing operational clarity, empathy, and innovation to complex clinical initiatives and cross-functional healthcare teams.
Stacey Moore is a visionary entrepreneur blending creativity with cutting-edge AI. As founder of Hot Goss and RocketDraft, she’s reshaping marketing and copywriting with smart, scalable tools. With 30+ years at Stacey Moore Studio and innovations like the first serverless payment platform at Digitzs, Stacey champions the intersection of design, tech, and business—pioneering solutions that drive both creative and strategic growth.
🖋️ Our Featured Writer
This month, we’re excited to feature Sarah Downey, who writes about responsible AI, power, and keeping humans at the center. Please enjoy part 3 below. If you missed parts 1 & 2, you can find them here.
If We Built from Scratch, What Would We Create?
by Sarah Downey
Imagine, just for a moment, setting aside the task of modernizing old systems and asking a different question: If we built anew - with AI as part of the initial design - what would become possible?
We already see early signals. Startups with AI-augmented governance. Schools experimenting with adaptive learning paths. Public services piloting transparent decision logs. None of these are finished models. But they hint at a world where intelligence is woven into institutional fabric, not bolted on like an upgrade.
Picture a school where learning pathways are co-created with students, while teachers hold the emotional center of the community. A nonprofit where patterns of exclusion are surfaced automatically, and boards review not just metrics but moral impact. A public service where every decision comes with a clear explanation by default because transparency is embedded into the system’s core.
These possibilities are not fantasies. They are design questions. And design questions are invitations to choose what kind of world we want to inhabit.
AI will not decide this for us.
We decide what becomes inevitable.
Try This
A question to explore with your own intelligence - human and artificial:
If I wasn’t constrained by inherited structures in society, what would I build now?
About the Author
Sarah Downey is the founder of Sarah Downey Consulting, where she guides nonprofits and social impact organizations through responsible AI adoption. Her work blends governance, ethics, and human-centered design - helping leaders build systems that feel clear, grounded, and worthy of the people they serve.
Her writing explores how AI is reshaping work, power, and imagination, and how we can design futures that honor both intelligence and humanity. She shares articles, exploratory prompts, and frameworks for leaders navigating this time of rapid change.
👉 Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdowney1
📅 AI Festivus is Coming! Register Now, Buy the Replays!
AI Festivus 2025
Friday and Saturday, December 26-27, 2025
9am - 9pm Pacific
ZOOM
AI Festivus 2025 is the year-end ritual for skeptics and believers alike.
Virtual & FREE -- This free, community-oriented event offers insights on human-centered AI—mindset, use cases, discoveries, artistry, collaboration, and even a few grievances —- perfect for enthusiasts and experts at any level. Brought to you by She Leads AI and The AI Salon.
NOTE: The AI Festivus replay can be purchased when you register.
🎙️ AI Readiness Project
Spotlight on AI Festivus 2025: Voices Shaping the Future of Work
Thanks for being here with us!
Warmly,
Anne Murphy
Founder, She Leads AI
Founder and CEO, Empowered Fundraiser Consulting
👉 Learn more and explore our work at SheLeadsAI.ai
