13. AI and Women in Scotland’s Future

Steph has a diverse background ranging from astrophysics to genomics in academia, film & TV, dance and the third sector. A leader in, and advocate for, ethical, inclusive and responsible AI, she works to ensure that technology benefits the many and not the few.

She was instrumental in the development and delivery of Scotlands national AI strategy. She was also Co-Founder of Diverse AI, working to support and grow diversity in the world of AI but she has now stepped back from that role to focus on Our AI Collective, which she has co-founded and is Director of to provide a civic voice in the AI discourse. Our AI Collective is a community interest company strengthening civic power in the age of AI through education, research, and public participation

She was recognised as one of the 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics in 2023, one of the Top 10 Women in Tech in Scotland in 2023 and recently named in the 2025 Digital Leaders AI 100 UK list. She was also awarded the 2024 DataIQ Award for Data & AI For Good Champion.