GameChange Social Impact Initiative Launches Conversation Series With Local Government On AI
Photo credit: GameChange
At the beginning of 2025, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, an organization that focuses on the City's economic development announced, along with City Hall, new initiatives designed to make the five boroughs of NYC a leader in Artificial Intelligence. The proposal included the following elements:
Campaign to promote New York City as a hub for applied AI
AI advisory council
AI literacy programs in public libraries
CUNY internships at AI-first startups
Since the initial launch, an a startup incubator, as well as a few other elements, were announced as well.
However, as we near the end of the year, little is known by any New Yorkers, other than initiative partner company OpenAI's New York office, about the status of the aforementioned proposed items, information on criteria for AI advisory council, and much more.
Participation and opportunities in such initiatives can truly be make-or-break opportunities for those in the innovation space whether individuals, startup founders, or emerging powerati. The challenge for this demographic, oftentimes, is not having the skills or creativity, but the lack of relationships and visibility in the sector that enable a faster track to success and achievement. Simply put, if one is not in the mix and under the radar, the hurdles within the emerging tech and AI space are dramatically multiplied.
In an effort to solve this problem, a powerful social impact initiative called GameChange was recently started by a collective of individuals. The organization's primary mission is to support undernetworked women working toward leadership positions at the intersection of emerging tech (AI, Web3, XR/Smart Glasses) and mass media/entertainment because of the reach and power of this Future Media space.
In order to create and amplify dialogue in the public-private realm, GameChange, among its many programs, recently kicked off a virtual town hall series that feature brief talks with various New York City Council members so that greater exchange of information and thought-leadership can be created to truly drive goals of all sides here in New York City.
The series kicked off with Council Member Linda Lee on many fronts in NYC. Attendees, which spanned many GameChange members, event partner members, and a coalition of organizations listened as the member was asked about everything from plans from the City to support those other than Big Tech in the AI space to how the City is addressing AI guardrails and ethics, and more. Council Member Lee offered fascinating insights, thoughts on public-private partnerships, and how her background in the non-profit space informs much of her approach and thought-leadership regarding issues such as those within the innovation sector.
"It was a great event for us," explains GameChange board member, Imwen Eke, "because it's important to support the concerns and ideas of undernetworked people in the space. If we all work together, we can ensure that all the best ideas rise to the top during this fourth industrial revolution, not just those who are already well-entrenched in the space." Eke added, "We also invited each of the mayoral candidates. Sadly none of their camps replied."
Undaunted, GameChange will continue its virtual town hall just after the election with additional City Council members. It's a powerful series that is unprecedented. Anyone with an interest in the space is welcome to attend. Watch for more from this powerful upstart.