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In the Spotlight - Meet Arlette van Wissen
At Women in AI, we are dedicated to highlighting the women who are inspirational role models revolutionizing the field of artificial intelligence. Through our series, “In the Spotlight”, we aim to share stories of extraordinary women making a meaningful impact, with the hope of encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in STEM. Today, we shine a light on Arlette van Wissen, an exceptional AI expert, leader, and advocate for ethical, sustainable AI.
Author: Bianca Dybala.
A Journey of Purpose and Innovation
Arlette van Wissen’s career journey is a testament to the power of multidisciplinary expertise. With over a decade of experience in AI, Arlette combines her background in linguistics, philosophy, computer science, and psychology to create a culture of nuance, inclusivity, and responsible development in AI.
Currently, she is the lead of Responsible and Sustainable AI at Philips, a global health technology leader with more than 70,000 employees spread across over 100 countries. Her work exemplifies how cross-disciplinary knowledge can shape and guide complex technological landscapes.
A Leader in Responsible AI
At Philips, Arlette has been a trailblazer in establishing and leading company-wide initiatives in Responsible AI (RAI) and Sustainable AI (SAI). Recognizing the need for governance in an evolving technological domain, she began pioneering RAI initiatives five years ago – at a time when awareness and practical guidance were scarce. Under her guidance, Philips has implemented AI governance frameworks, created processes for regulatory compliance, and developed tools that are now essential components of AI maturity within the organization.
Arlette’s work includes the creation of tools such as data and algorithm catalogs, an ethical AI impact assessment, a Good Machine Learning Practices checklist, bias awareness cards, and a comprehensive Data & AI Maturity Assessment.
Her architectural contribution to the Philips Bias Risk Assessment is especially impactful, as it helps teams identify and mitigate over 50 types of biases in healthcare AI. Arlette’s influence extends beyond internal systems – she has established an internal RAI community and played a pivotal role in shaping Philips’ AI Principles and strategy.
National and Global Influence
Arlette’s contributions go beyond just her involvement and influence at Philips. She frequently speaks at national events and produces media content like blogs, videos, and podcasts to promote awareness of responsible AI practices. At the Dutch Ministry of Finance’s ‘Adviescommissie Analytics’, she chairs the subcommittee on AI fairness, applying her expertise to ensure AI systems are equitable and ethical. Additionally, she represents Philips in the Nederlandse AI Coalitie’s ‘Mensgerichte AI’ working group, promoting human-centered AI principles.
Internationally, Arlette has been instrumental in aligning AI governance with Environmental Social Governance (ESG) goals. She has actively shaped Philips’ contributions to the EU AI Act, collaborated on bias detection frameworks within the Aequitas Horizon2020 project, and participated in global standardization activities.
Passion for Diversity and Education
Arlette is also specifically passionate about diversity and inclusion within AI. She engages in initiatives like Topvrouwen.nl to educate women about AI bias and inspires young girls to pursue technology careers through events like Girls Day. By fostering literacy in responsible AI and driving conversations on bias and ethics, she embodies the principles of equity and social justice in technology.
Informal Inspirations and Personal Passions
Beyond her professional accolades, Arlette’s love for learning and creativity shines. She enjoys the theater, loves reading books, and adores the Isabelle Steward Gardner Museum. She even challenges herself by wall-climbing to conquer a fear of heights – an apt metaphor for her courage in pushing the boundaries of AI. Her curiosity and drive to create change for the better define her not just as an AI leader, but furthermore as a lifelong learner and innovator.
Impacting Healthcare and Beyond
Understanding the significant carbon footprint of the healthcare sector, Arlette initiated efforts at Philips to address AI’s environmental impact. Her team is developing tools to measure generative AI’s energy use and guidelines to reduce it. Her leadership extends to a health equity program that underscores her dedication to improving access and outcomes globally.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Arlette van Wissen embodies the qualities that Women in AI seeks to amplify: intelligence, empathy, innovation, and courage.
She has not only shaped AI governance at a leading multinational company but has also contributed to broader societal conversations about the ethical and sustainable use of AI. Her story is one of pioneering innovation, a deep commitment to responsible practices, and a relentless drive to inspire others.
Arlette’s impact is a beacon for women and girls aspiring to make a difference in technology. Her multidisciplinary approach, passion for ethics, and leadership in AI governance serve as a powerful reminder that with dedication and vision, we can create technology that is responsible, inclusive, and transformative.
Being Part of the WAI Awards
After engaging with her story, it is clear why Arlette has become a part of the Top 3 Nominees of AI Sustainability Leader of the WAI Benelux Awards. The WAI Awards celebrate remarkable women who are making an impact on shaping the future of AI, with their expertise and unique perspectives driving innovation.
Women like Arlette dedicate themselves and their work to creating the future of AI. Join us on February 7th 2025 at the Women in AI Gala, where our awards will be officially presented as we celebrate all these remarkable women forging the path. As done so in 2024 at the last gala, we will celebrate the outstanding women in AI across the various categories who are making a significant impact across the Benelux region. We can’t wait to see you there!