Portrait No. 001
Claire Xie
Founder & President
Women in AI
Women in AI (WIA) is a global leadership platform advancing women and underrepresented leaders in artificial intelligence. We build visibility, access, and influence at the highest levels of the AI ecosystem — connecting technologists, founders, investors, policymakers, and enterprise leaders across markets. I started WIA after repeatedly sitting in rooms where the future of AI was being decided — and noticing who wasn’t there. The most transformative technology of our generation was being shaped without diverse leadership at the table. It wasn’t just a representation gap; it was a power gap. After years working across technology, media, and global markets, I understood how capital, narrative, and access intersect. I didn’t want to mentor around the margins — I wanted to build infrastructure that changes who gets funded, who gets heard, and who gets to lead. AI is rewriting the rules of the global economy. We’re making sure women help write them.
In her words
“You learn quickly that resilience isn’t optional — it’s a daily practice.”
Chapter I
The toughest challenges you've faced as a founder.
Building Women in AI meant building credibility in an industry where access to capital, influence, and decision-making power is still concentrated and relationship-driven. As a woman founder in tech, you often walk into rooms where you are underestimated before you speak. There’s pressure to be visionary but not “too ambitious,” collaborative but not “too assertive.” You learn quickly that resilience isn’t optional — it’s a daily practice. In the early days, we had traction and momentum but limited resources. Scaling a global, mission-driven platform while AI evolved at breakneck speed required creativity and conviction. We leaned into strategic partnerships, curated high-impact convenings, and built a powerful cross-sector network spanning tech, venture, enterprise, and policy. There were moments of doubt — especially when the gap between vision and resources felt wide. But momentum compounds. Today, WIA has a growing international footprint, meaningful partnerships, and a seat at critical AI conversations. The climb hasn’t been linear — but neither is building a movement. We’re not just scaling a company. We’re shifting an ecosystem.
Chapter II
Your vision.
My vision is to create a world where women are learning, building, and leading in AI. What keeps me up at night isn’t just the technology; it’s who gets erased if we don’t intervene. Women in AI exists to make sure women are not sidelined in one of the most important shifts of our time.
Chapter III
The impact you want to leave behind — for your industry, your community, and the women who come next.
My mission is to become the highest version of myself and empower other women to do the same. If I’ve helped women become even 1% better each day or inspired them to think bigger, I’ll consider that a life well lived.