Tech Expert Emily Chang to Address AI Ethics in Pasadena Talk

Emmy Award-winning journalist Emily Chang will deliver a keynote address on the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence at Pasadena’s Distinguished Speaker Series. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and is expected to conclude around 9:00-9:30 p.m.

Chang’s extensive experience interviewing tech industry leaders — including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman — positions her as an internationally recognized thought leader. Her presentation will address one of the most pressing technological developments in recent decades: the widespread integration of AI into everyday life, from algorithmic decision-making to AI-generated media.

The former Bloomberg Technology anchor gained national acclaim for her incisive reporting on Silicon Valley and her 2018 bestselling book “Brotopia: Breaking Up the Boys’ Club of Silicon Valley,” which examined gender inequality in the tech industry. Through extensive interviews and analysis, her book critiqued the “bro culture” prevalent in tech firms and venture capital, highlighting how this environment perpetuates gender disparities and hinders diversity in innovation.

Established in 1996, the Distinguished Speaker Series invites prominent national and global figures to engage with the Pasadena community on subjects of lasting societal importance. Chang’s talk will explore how AI raises legal, ethical and social questions about surveillance, bias, job displacement and the future of human agency. This topic has received a significance score of 23/30 according to Pasadena Now’s analysis.

Public concern about AI is growing, with 61 percent of Americans saying they feel “concerned” about AI’s rapid development and 42 percent supporting stronger government regulation, according to Pew Research Center data from February 2024. Ethical concerns in AI include algorithmic bias, lack of transparency and data privacy challenges.

The event will include a moderated Q&A session, offering attendees a chance to directly interact with Chang on topics such as algorithmic bias, generative AI and the role of journalists in holding tech leaders accountable. This format supports civic engagement and educational dialogue, especially on controversial emerging technologies.

Chang’s appearance is particularly relevant to Pasadena, which continues its own efforts to integrate smart technologies into public infrastructure through its Smart City Initiative. Collaborations with institutions like Caltech have enabled the city to utilize fiber-optic infrastructure for seismic research, while partnerships with companies like Cleverciti are improving parking management through AI-driven solutions.

The talk is expected to draw a diverse audience including educated professionals in technology, academia, media and public policy; students and faculty from Caltech, ArtCenter and PCC; residents interested in civic innovation and smart city development; women in tech and DEI advocates familiar with Chang’s book; and culturally literate readers tracking AI’s societal implications.

Tickets are available here.