To our AI LA Community,

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires across Los Angeles. We stand in solidarity with those facing loss, evacuation, or the challenges of poor air quality, and we want you to know you are not alone.

1. We’ve curated a list of GoFundMe pages from community members impacted by the fires: GoFundMe Community List - please add to the list and support our fellow community members.

2. LA Check In with The Annenberg Foundation, in collaboration with global music icons will.i.am, D-Nice, and DJ Hed (TMZ Hip-Hop; Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar), along with actor-philanthropist Etienne Maurice (WalkGood LA), and event partner the i.am Angel Foundation.
   WATCH LIVE ON THURS. 1/16 STARTING AT 6PM PT

3. ​If the fire has impacted you on the west side, Venice Help Hub @ Blankspaces Venice has many resources. Fill out this form.

4. Tonight: AI Policy Happy Hour - Wildfire donation & relief brainstorm

If you have ideas for further community action or need assistance yourself, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

🚨 We’re hiring a Community Growth Lead

We’re excited to announce a new role dedicated to developing sponsorships, partnerships, and revenue for our nonprofit’s programs and events. This position is perfect for a strategic, entrepreneurial professional passionate about AI, community engagement, and social impact—especially in funding AI literacy and fostering cross-industry collaborations that embody Los Angeles’ dynamic spirit.

As our Community Growth Lead, you’ll be instrumental in building a vibrant AI ecosystem in L.A.—and the relationships you form here will last a lifetime!

If you know someone who you believe would be an excellent fit, let us know by replying to this email! If you’d like to apply yourself, please do so here.

Tonight: AI Policy Happy Hour - Wildfire Donation & Relief Brainstorm

Our usual AI Policy Happy Hour is shifting focus this month to stand in solidarity with the Los Angeles community impacted by wildfires. Please join us for an evening of connection as we come together to collect donations and brainstorm AI solutions for wildfire relief.

Donations collected will support the Pasadena Essential Donation Drive. Suggested items include personal care items, grocery gift cards, and household items.

Event Schedule Updates

• Demystifying AI: A Beginner's Guide to Intelligent Agents has been postponed due to the ongoing wildfire situation. We will announce a new date in the coming weeks.

• IDEAS Cohort 4 Info Session #2 is now happening on Friday, January 24th.

• This week’s ML Models & Bottles event has been re-scheduled for Thursday, January 23rd.

• You can still become an AI LA+ Member here.

IDEAS Cohort 4 Applications Open

Join the 4th cohort of AI LA’s IDEAS program—a competitive and free career accelerator designed to empower LA-based Community College students with the skills and connections to thrive in the evolving AI and STEAM industries.

This hybrid program features our Machine Learning Track and is delivered through Coursera, combining cutting-edge online coursework with in-person events. Engage in interactive learning, industry mentorship, thought-provoking discussions, research exploration, and targeted professional development.

Participants will master key AI concepts remotely, connect at exclusive networking sessions, and apply their knowledge in a hands-on capstone project. Elevate your career with future-ready skills, expert guidance, and real-world experience.

Applications are open now—don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of AI and make an impact.

Eligibility: Applicants should be community college students, and have an intermediate knowledge of Python

Application Deadline: January 27, 2025 by 11:59PM PST

Apply today: https://joinai.la/ideas

Announcing AI LA’s new Master Class: Unlocking Value through AI

AI LA's Responsible AI Reading Group is thrilled to welcome Brian Ray, Chief AI Officer at Eviden, and Cyril Delattre, Co-founder of Mosaia, as guest speakers for AI LA’s inaugural master class Unlocking Value through AI; Governance as a Catalyst to Success.

This digital master class is designed to empower AI enthusiasts of all experience levels with the knowledge and tools to implement Responsible AI practices effectively.

What You’ll Gain:

• Frameworks for Responsible AI Implementation: Learn foundational RAI frameworks to integrate Responsible AI practices into your organization or personal projects alongside Brian.

• Insights into Emerging Trends and AI Agents: Stay ahead of the curve with a review of AI agents and their strategic impacts alongside Cyril.

• Hands-On Workshop: Apply your learning in an interactive session using AI Agents through the Mosaia platform.

• Networking & Q&A: Connect with like-minded professionals and ask our industry experts your burning questions.

Who Should Attend:

• Industry professionals and community advocates committed to advancing Responsible AI practices.

• AI enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of AI’s strategic implications.

• Innovators passionate about driving meaningful conversations on Responsible AI.

AI LA Supporter & Innovator members get special pricing until 1/31/2025! Become an AI LA+ member today.

Upcoming Events

AI x Fintech Happy Hour (1/21)

​Join us for an AI x Fintech Happy Hour, a casual networking event that offers a unique opportunity for like-minded professionals in AI and Fintech to connect, share insights, and discuss the latest trends in the space.

IDEAS Cohort 4 Info Session #2 (1/23)

​Join us for an Information Session to explore the details of the AI LA IDEAS program, which focuses exclusively on the Machine Learning Specialization through Coursera. Gain hands-on experience through a final capstone project designed to apply your learning to real-world challenges. Learn how you can develop advanced machine learning skills and receive mentorship from industry professionals to support your growth.

​This session is your opportunity to ask questions, learn about the application process, and see how this program can advance your career in AI and machine learning.

​Take the first step toward your future in AI—don’t miss out! Apply for IDEAS Cohort 4 (ML Track) today at: https://joinai.la/ideas

Responsible AI Reading Group Session w/ Mantej Lamba (1/23)

Join the Responsible AI Reading Group for an engaging session on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, facilitated by Mantej Lamba of Shift USC, University of Southern California's student-led platform dedicated to socially responsible technology.

​This session will explore key themes from AI's potential to enhance personalized learning and automate routine tasks, to the ethical, privacy, and equity challenges it presents. Drawing from Mantej's insights, we will discuss how AI tools such as ChatGPT and adaptive learning platforms are reshaping classrooms as well as the implications of biased algorithms, data privacy concerns, and the digital divide.

​This is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the intersection of technology, education, and ethics

ML Models & Bottles - This Won't be WACC! #4 (1/23)

AI LA & Buildnow.ai is proud to present the 4th edition of ML Models & Bottles – this won’t be WACC. This isn’t just another gathering; it’s a celebration of our favorite things – technical ML research papers, great Pinot, and engaging financial discussions.

​​​What to Expect: Attendees will present a diverse range of research papers on topics like computer vision, NLP, AI agents, RAG, model compression, and more. Each presenter will have a maximum of 5 minutes and will use simple slides:

Cerebral Beach: Sunday Morning Hike (Culver City Stairs) (1/26)

Join AI LA for a Sunday morning hike at Culver City Stairs (1.4mi)!

AI Policy Happy Hour – February 2025 (2/6)

Join us for an AI Policy happy hour in the vibrant heart of miracle mile! This unique event brings together curious minds in artificial intelligence, policy-making, and tech innovation to exchange ideas and insights.

LA GenAI Meetup w/ Qualcomm – February 2025 (2/10)

Join us for a casual evening AI meetup in the heart of Pasadena! This friendly get-together is the perfect opportunity for GenAI enthusiasts, hobbyists, experts, and newcomers alike to connect, share insights, and learn from each other in an informal setting.

​This GenAI Meetup is sponsored by Qualcomm.