At Analytics Vidhya, we believe in the power of stories to inspire, uplift, and empower. That’s why, throughout March, we’re embracing women in AI by sharing their remarkable journeys and achievements on our blog. The very first guest of this series is Noelle Russell, a trailblazer in the field of AI with an impressive track record.

Let’s look at her story of inspiration! 

Noelle Russell’s Story in her own Words

Today I celebrate those underrepresented voices that I have sat beside in meetings, watched get passed over for promotions, and witnessed them dim their light so that others could shine brighter. Today I am proud to be a woman in Tech, in AI, in Data Science.

Embracing Identity and Purpose

But the journey hasn’t always been an easy one. Nothing about my journey was easy. Early in my career, I remember adjusting the clothes I wore and how I wore my hair to fit in as the only Latina, the only woman, the only person of color on the team. I even tried wearing fake glasses to look smarter. The sad thing was that it worked.

As I became less of me, more people listened, leveraged my ideas, and implemented my contributions. But something always felt off. Then a few years ago I saw a Pixar short called PURL. And I realized what I had become, and so I changed.

In my new journey, I knew I had to work twice as hard to get and keep my seat at the table. And the only way I could do that and sustain that effort was to attach my Purpose to my work. My first-born son has Down Syndrome, and all I wanted to do was make the world better for him. I chose technology as the industry that would help me do the most at quickest pace. Then something interesting happened.

Overcoming Doubt and Striving for Excellence

I saw an email come across my desk, inviting me to join the Amazon Alexa team, just before the product launched. Looking at the power of using natural language to help my son navigate the world, I knew that is where I needed to be. But as with many of our good ideas and intuition-driven direction, the world didn’t agree right away. I went to my manager at the time, and he shared with me that he didn’t think I was right for that team, he didn’t think I was technical enough. He was wrong, but he didn’t know it.  Many times, people will speak doubt into a vision you have for yourself, but they can’t see what you see. They haven’t been where you’ve been, and they will not go where you are going.

Take these insights from those around you, consider them, but do not be bound by them. They do not know what you are capable of. Only you know that.

Thriving in the Face of Adversity

After Amazon Alexa, I was recruited to Microsoft to help take a dozen research models into production, Azure Cognitive Services at the time. I jumped in, realizing the world of AI was more than just natural language. I began learning by doing, using github like a coach to show me how to build and scale. Utilizing low stakes innovation playgrounds to test high stakes use cases, I showcased my success to customers, who loved what they saw. As a result, I was honored with the Performance Excellence award at Microsoft for delivering the most value and influencing the most revenue. However, this journey took a turn.

Many times, along my journey, I have been hired by people who wanted my skills and expertise. They wanted someone who could sell to their customers, they wanted an influencer who could transform buying behavior. But once I got there, inevitably, my manager would find ways to diminish me. Ask me to play small. Ask me to do less, even if I could do more. I realize now that this often came from fear, even though I had proven time and again that I am helpful not harmful. But when people are afraid, they behave badly. Many times, that has caused me to leave the companies I love, the teams I built and the culture I was transforming. Yet, I rise.

Empowering Others and Shaping the Future

On this International Women’s Day, I want to share with you a mantra that has gotten me through many tough times and transitions.

“Work Hard in Silence, and Let Success Be Your Noise”

Your purpose, your “Why”, will enable you to sift through the nonsense of being an underrepresented voice and focus on creating the vision of the world you want.

This world needs our perspective now more than ever, to represent those who are not being thought of in the design and implementation of these AI systems. Whatever it is that you envision for yourself, your relationships, your world, write it down. Use every meeting you attend, every email you write, every social media you post to amplify the vision of the world you want to see.  If you do this, you will see something amazing happen.

If you would like to learn more about me, my classes and coaching, please join my tribe!

About Noelle Russell

Noelle Russell leads responsible data and AI solutions at the AI Leadership Institute, drawing from extensive experience with top tech companies like AWS, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft AI, NPR, Accenture AI, Red Hat, and IBM. Her unique perspective has garnered global recognition, with accolades including Microsoft MVP in AI, WAC Global Digital Ambassador, and recognition among Voicebot.ai’s Top Influencers in Voice. Additionally, she has received honors such as the Alexa Conference “Executive of the Year” award and VentureBeat’s Women In AI Award for AI Mentorship and AI Responsibility and Ethics.

Check out her LinkedIn profile here.

Summing-up

Noelle Russell’s journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of purpose-driven work. Her story inspires us to embrace our identities, overcome doubt, and strive for excellence while empowering others along the way. 

You can also share your story or nominate someone who has inspired you by filling out this form. 

Let’s continue to uplift and empower each other in the journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future.