Reflections on the She Shapes AI award


NIGHT OWL

Anna Mae Lamentillo.jpg

I am deeply honored to be named among the Top 33 Leaders in Responsible AI by She Shapes AI. This acknowledgment not only recognizes my personal journey but also underscores the transformative power of technology in connecting people, preserving cultures, and driving inclusive growth. To me, the award signifies a collective affirmation of our greater mission: ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) serves as a bridge rather than a barrier, opening up opportunities and uniting communities worldwide.


When I founded NightOwlGPT, I was guided by a profound concern for endangered languages on the brink of disappearing from the digital stage. Our planet is home to over 7,000 languages, yet many are perilously close to extinction. Each language represents a living archive of cultural identity, generational wisdom, and rich tradition. Without intentional efforts to preserve and digitize these languages, countless voices risk being silenced. NightOwlGPT emerged out of this urgency. Incubated under LSE Generate, we set out to build an AI-driven platform offering real-time translation, cultural competence, and interactive learning tools—concrete steps to ensure that every individual can navigate today’s digital landscape in their own mother tongue.


Receiving this honor from She Shapes AI resonates deeply with NightOwlGPT’s commitment to inclusivity. She Shapes AI is a global initiative that celebrates women who develop and deploy AI ethically, amplifying their work to inspire others. This year’s Global Awards Council, comprising esteemed AI experts and thought leaders—Prof. Angela Aristidou (University College London; Stanford Human-Centered AI Institute), Galit Ariel (Future Memory Inc.), Maria Axente (PwC), Sheena Bhalla (Module Xero; Aiforgood.asia), Claudia Del Pozo (Eon Institute), Ivana Feldfeber (DataGénero), Dr. Shikoh Gitau (Qhala), Susan McPherson (McPherson Strategies), Madhumita Murgia (Financial Times), Nnenna Nwakanma (UN Advisory Board on AI; HealthAI), and Gina Romero (Mettamatch)—evaluated candidates not just on technical merit but on their dedication to creating meaningful, tangible impact. That measure of “impact” is precisely why we’re at the frontier of using AI to address a global challenge.


In the Philippines, where our pilot program is underway, many communities speak dialects with limited or no digital presence. By bridging this linguistic gap, we equip local students, entrepreneurs, and community members to access information, communicate effectively, and preserve their heritage. Beyond the Philippines, we plan to expand NightOwlGPT into Colombia, Ghana, Pakistan, and Nigeria—diverse regions where millions of people stand to benefit from inclusive, culturally competent AI solutions.


This recognition from She Shapes AI reinforces the imperative to keep AI development anchored in empathy, ethics, and real-world value. Far too often, technology amplifies existing inequalities. She Shapes AI reminds us that it can—and should—do the opposite: empower and uplift. By showcasing women’s voices and fostering a network of trailblazers committed to responsible, inclusive technology, She Shapes AI paves a new path where diverse perspectives guide innovation.


Looking ahead, our mission remains clear. We will continue enhancing NightOwlGPT’s capabilities, refining our models for greater accuracy and cultural sensitivity, and expanding our outreach to regions in need. Our dream is a world where every child can learn in their mother tongue, where no language is ever labeled “extinct,” and where every community is digitally connected.


For me, this award is both a celebration and a call to action. It challenges us to keep innovating in ways that genuinely serve people—especially those on the margins. I stand with the She Shapes AI community in our shared commitment to a future where no one is left behind. Together, we can transform technology into a cornerstone of empowerment, preserving our linguistic and cultural tapestries while forging a more inclusive digital tomorrow.