Breaking Barriers: My Journey as a Woman in AI

Dayanna Verónica
4 min readJun 9, 2024

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Being a woman in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. Every day, I am reminded of the power of technology to bring people closer together, and I am grateful to be part of this transformation. As the Head of Product and Technology at OneMeta Inc., I have the privilege of leading projects that harness AI's potential to break down language barriers and foster global communication.

A deep commitment to innovation and inclusivity has shaped my path in AI. At OneMeta, we aim to create tools and solutions that make communication seamless, regardless of the languages spoken. Two of our standout products, VerbumCall and Verbum for MS Teams, are designed to achieve just that. VerbumCall acts as a virtual interpreter, providing real-time translation during phone calls. It’s a game-changer for anyone needing instant and accurate translations, ensuring no conversation is lost. Verbum for MS Teams, on the other hand, integrates with Microsoft Teams to offer real-time translations and AI-generated captions, making it easier for multilingual teams to collaborate effectively.

In addition to these, we also developed VerbumOnsite, an app that helps translate in real-time for captions in more than 132 languages and 90+ audio languages. During an event in Rome, one of our clients recently used VerbumOnsite to facilitate communication, showcasing the app’s powerful capabilities. As seen in the images below, participants could listen to translations directly from their devices, enhancing their understanding and engagement.

In this picture, a user listens from his mobile device in his native language.
Participants were using VerbumOnsite during the event.

What truly drives me is the opportunity to contribute to a field that has the potential to reshape our world. From a young age, I was fascinated by the possibilities of technology and how it could be used to solve real-world problems. This passion led me to pursue learning and working with AI, where I have had the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside many talented individuals who share my vision for a more connected world.

I am constantly inspired by the brilliant women who are also making significant strides in AI. Women like Irene Solaiman at Hugging Face, Eva Maydell in the European Parliament, Rashida Richardson at Mastercard, and Mira Murati, the CTO of OpenAI, ensure that AI is developed and deployed ethically and responsibly. Their dedication and achievements remind me of women's impact in this field, and they motivate me to continue striving for excellence.

In addition to my professional work, I am also passionate about mentoring the next generation of women in technology. Providing guidance and support to young women who are interested in AI is crucial for fostering diversity and innovation in the field. Through mentorship programs and speaking engagements, I have had the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with aspiring technologists, helping them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a career in AI.

Women in the field of AI bring unique perspectives, often considering the social, ethical, and political implications of their work, leading to more holistic and responsible technology development. As Head of Product and Technology at OneMeta, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve while striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations of women in technology.

One of my job's most rewarding aspects is seeing our products' real-world impact. VerbumCall, Verbum for MS Teams, and VerbumOnsite have been used by organizations worldwide to facilitate communication and collaboration across language barriers. Whether helping businesses expand into new markets, enabling healthcare providers to better serve diverse patient populations, or supporting humanitarian efforts in multilingual settings, our technology is making a difference in people’s lives. Knowing that our work is helping to bridge cultural divides and bring people closer together is incredibly fulfilling.

However, the journey is not without its challenges. The field of AI is constantly evolving, and staying at the forefront of innovation requires continuous learning and adaptation. It’s essential to stay updated with the latest technological advancements, from new algorithms and data processing techniques to ethical considerations and regulatory changes. This commitment to lifelong learning drives me and my team to keep innovating and improving our products.

I am proud to be part of this movement and excited to see where it will lead us. Together, we can ensure that AI development benefits from a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences, paving the way for innovations that truly make a difference. Every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive and equitable future in the field of artificial intelligence, and I am thrilled to be part of this transformative journey.

Looking forward, I am excited about the potential of AI to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From healthcare and education to climate change and social justice, AI has the potential to create solutions that improve lives and make a positive impact on society. As we continue to develop and refine our technology at OneMeta, I am committed to ensuring that our work contributes to a better, more inclusive world.

In conclusion, being a woman in AI has been an incredible journey filled with challenges and triumphs. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to contribute to this field and for the support and inspiration from my peers and mentors. Together, we are breaking barriers and paving the way for the next generation of women in AI. I look forward to continuing this journey and seeing the amazing innovations that lie ahead.

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Dayanna Verónica

Head of Product & Technology at @onemeta_ai Avid Traveler. Passionate Advocate for NLP. "Exploring the world's code, one algorithm at a time."