What is TheAssociation?

TheAssociation is a “by practitioners, for practitioners” platform intending to bridge the disciplines of AI, Data, Ethics, Privacy, Robotics, and Security. In a world focused on digital and AI transformation, we—the practitioners—are the gatekeepers for ethical AI and data.

The reality is that each of these disciplines depends on each other for success, and we often have our own unique challenges. In addition, the pace of change, our own functional priorities—and even corporate politics—often result in siloed approaches.

We believe a new approach is needed.

A powerful, global business organization that focuses on arming practitioners with knowledge, tools, and shared experience. An organization with focused networking and job opportunities to fast pace your career trajectory and impact. A unique organization focused on practitioner voice and tangible tactics.

TheAssociation will amplify the voice of tens of thousands of members to fuel software and technology service improvements while also driving ethical AI and data through our members’ Policy & Regulation Council.

We are the implementation arm for AI transformation. We are the experts. And as experts, we must drive. TheAssociation’s platform and strategic initiatives in education, media, publications, and lobbying will drive ethical AI and data for generations to come.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

-Margaret Mead

What We Offer

Private Forum & Chat

Our members have access to a private forum focused on AI, Data, Ethics, Privacy, Robotics, and Security. This forum allows you to engage, follow, and collaborate at a new level. 

Facilitated Chapters & Networking

Coming Soon!

Monthly association events, chapters by discipline, and location for shared knowledge and networking opportunities.

Job Marketplace & Talent Referral Program

Coming Soon!

Are you looking for a new opportunity or want to refer a rock star? Our job posting and paid talent referral program is for you.  

Knowledge Base

Coming Soon!

Need a template, a best practice guide, a policy, or other materials?  We offer a shared knowledge center to amplify both knowledge and impact.

Certifications & Education Marketplace

Coming Soon!

We will offer cloud, software, and TheAssociation-crafted certification and educational offerings.

Policy & Regulation Council

Coming Soon!

Help to define standards, policies, and regulations around the globe.

Our association will host a Governance Council and discipline sub-committees, ensuring TheAssociation members have a leg up on ethics and trust while providing tactical implementation requirements that remove the guesswork.

Practitioner Voice

Coming Soon!

Drive service and technology advancement through TheAssociation Market Opportunity and Panel Research offerings.   

Mentor Rings

Coming Soon!

Are you looking for mentorship and want access to some of the most experienced experts in the field? Sign up as a mentor or an advisor.

Why TheAssociation?

Bridging the fields of AI, Data, Ethics, Privacy, Robotics, and Security isn’t a nice to have, it’s frankly a must-do.

For too long, we have practiced in our silos, focused on execution in our roles. As we enter the AI era and embrace the power of data,  it’s us—the practitioners working in these fields—who own the data, the models, the governance, the lifecycle, the policy, the security, and the trust. We must unite to create one practitioner voice that guides ethical AI and Data forward.

Wendy Turner-Williams

CEO, TheAssociation

We are in an era where the practitioners in the fields of AI, Data, Ethics, Privacy, Robotics, and Security are more important across many industries than ever before. TheAssociation aims to be a place to bring the voices of these practitioners together and allow them to work towards ethical and responsible use of technologies that are key to our future.

Andrew Beers

Board Member, TheAssociation

As an analytics practitioner, I have had the opportunity to work in multiple industries: financial services, CPG, and Tech. These industries hold vast amounts of sensitive and personal information, making it imperative that data is handled with the utmost integrity and responsibility.

With AI increasingly being integrated into all functions, it is crucial to ensure that algorithms are unbiased. My commitment to ethics is not just about compliance or avoiding reputational damage—it’s about building trust, ensuring fairness, and driving meaningful innovations that benefit all segments of society.

Bindu Chellappan

AI is much more than the next technology change following the advent of the internet, personal computers, and mobile phones. AI raises questions about ethics, privacy, bias, and the powerful—and sometimes scary—autonomous actions of non-humans.

TheAssociation provides a forum for open and honest debate, a powerful source to uplevel knowledge, and a robust talent marketplace.

David Kuhl

I have spent the last 30 years addressing cyber risk. Working with Wendy Turner-Williams at Salesforce opened my eyes to both the danger and importance of data risk. That risk is multiplied exponentially with the introduction of AI as an acceleration mechanism for the access, distribution, and potential exploitation of that data. TheAssociation aims to address ethical issues of data risk and AI head-on with the requisite technical rigor to provide legitimate guidance for industries.

Jim Goldman

Board Member, TheAssociation

In our data-driven world, a better future doesn’t emerge solely from data usage. Data has its ethical complexities, making it imperative to shift our actions in the Talent Search & Acquisition space.

True ethics transcends mere principle agreement—it necessitates a profound change in our behaviors with victory belonging to organizations equipped with data-literate individuals.

The Association’s commitment to amplifying practitioners’ voices and advocating for ethical AI and data resonates deeply as the current technological landscape offers a unique opportunity for us all to drive positive change, and I am privileged to play a part in it.

Kaydee James

Talent Acquisitions Lead, Culstrata

I believe “TheAssociation” is a perfect fit for the evolving landscape of marketing as it converges with AI, Data, Ethics, Privacy, Robotics, and Security. This platform acknowledges the interplay among these disciplines and their unique and shared challenges. Its focus on knowledge-sharing, tools, networking, and career development presents a compelling opportunity.

TheAssociation’s mission to amplify practitioners’ voices and advocate for ethical AI and data aligns seamlessly with my marketing expertise, and I’m enthusiastic about contributing to its success.

Manny Rivera

Board Member, TheAssociation

Twenty years of leading multiple internal startups on data and analytics across industries, I feel deeply about the need for a data and analytics professional community to maximize the value creation and leave positive impact by our profession in organizations, and benefit people around us.

Gary Cao

Communication and collaboration are pivotal for achieving success.

With the many wheels turning in AI, Privacy, Data, Ethics, Robotics, and Security, it is important to equip practitioners with the necessary resources, tools, and networks to join forces and bridge the fields together, cultivating ethical AI and Data standards onward. TheAssociation provides a place to do just that and more.

Ira Santamaria-Guilles

Corporate Communications and Content Lead, TheAssociation

I’m absolutely thrilled about TheAssociation’s role in promoting ethical AI and Data practices.

Their commitment to amplifying the voices of practitioners and providing practical solutions is exactly what we need right now. Their recognition of the interconnected nature of these disciplines and the value of collaboration truly makes TheAssociation stand out. It will be a fantastic resource for gaining knowledge, accessing tools, building networks, and advancing your career.

I’m confident that TheAssociation will play a crucial role in fostering ethical AI and Data practices.

Nikki Nolan

Director of Design, TheAssociation

The Association’s vision of bridging siloed approaches and fostering ethical practices in AI and data is a genuine reflection of the future I ardently believe in.

As a seasoned professional with extensive cross-industry experience, I view TheAssociation as an essential catalyst in shaping this future. It offers a unique avenue for individuals like myself to contribute meaningfully. Through active engagement with this organization, I am committed to amplifying its objectives, ensuring that the fusion of technology and ethics remains at the forefront of our AI-driven evolution.

Wendy Zhang

What I love about TheAssociation is that it breaks down the silos between Data, Security, Privacy, and Technologists. For far too long, there was a lack of collaboration and understanding between the groups which has led to unnecessary friction. The push for AI is a cross-functional effort that requires all these disciplines to move forward in tandem. But without the proper education, training, and community engagement, this is not possible. So let’s change that—let’s break down the silos and create something new for the future! I’m excited. Are you?

Peggy Tsai

Board Member, TheAssociation

In my pursuit of new opportunities, I am particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with TheAssociation, an innovative startup company. The alignment of my skills and interests seamlessly matches the organization’s mission and values. I possess a profound passion for data technologies and the ethical development of AI, and I am eager to channel my analytical, problem-solving, and program management skills to advance the association’s objectives. I am driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact and be a significant contributor to the team’s success.

Shanu Gupta

Technical Program Manager, TheAssociation