Education to Employment: Building AI-Ready Talent

AI for Good

micro1 x Microsoft AIEI

December 8, 2025

4:00 pm

PST

Virtual Event

We hosted our last session in the micro1 / Microsoft AIEI “Reshaping the Future of Work” virtual series, “Education to Employment: Building AI-Ready Talent.”

Moderated by Dr. Mark Esposito (Chief Economist at micro1), the discussion featured Dr. Ben Shapiro and Dr. Amy J. Ko, both Microsoft AIEI Senior Fellows and Professors at the University of Washington.

The session explored how we can prepare the next generation for AI-driven industries through early education, hands-on experience, and equitable access. Speakers shared insights on designing joyful, ethical, and inclusive AI education, embedding creativity and justice into computing curricula, and bridging research with practice to build AI literacy from classroom to career.

Speakers

Ben Shapiro, Ph.D.

Professor, UW and Microsoft AIEI Senior Fellow

Amy J Ko, Ph.D.

Professor and Associate Dean, UW and Microsoft AIEI Senior Fellow

Moderated by:

Mark Esposito, PhD.

Chief Economist, micro1