In a time when technology is rapidly transforming our world, understanding the intersection of AI and democracy has never been more important. This discussion delves into how AI is shaping trust, power, governance, and the future of democracy itself—with a focus on real-world solutions.  

Chelsey Cartwright serves as the Program Manager for the Democracy Truth Project at the League of Women Voters. In this body of work, she strives to counter dis- and misinformation and to advance a better public understanding of the democratic and electoral process. Chelsey works with Leagues nationwide to develop and implement trainings and events that advance this mission. Before joining the League, Chelsey worked on campaigns on the local, statewide, and national levels.  

Mutale Nkonde is the founding CEO of AI For the People (AFP) a public sector AI policy advisory firm seeking to protect the rights of Black people in an AI economy and reduce the expression of algorithmic bias. Prior to this, she worked as an AI Policy advisor and was part of the team that introduced the Algorithmic and Deepfakes Accountability Acts and No Biometric Barriers to Housing Act to the House. She has held fellowships at the Oxford Internet Institute, the Berkman Klein Center For Internet & Society and is pursuing a PhD in Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge.  

Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned public interest technologist and security expert. His influential newsletter “Crypto-Gram” and his blog “Schneier on Security” are read by over 250,000 people. He has testified before Congress, is a frequent guest on television and radio, and has served on several government committees. Schneier is a fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University; a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School; a board member of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and AccessNow; and an Advisory Board Member of the Electronic Privacy Information Center and VerifiedVoting.org.  

Merle McGee (Moderator) is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Everyday Democracy. Merle brings over 25 years’ experience in non-profit settings fighting alongside historically marginalized and excluded communities for dignity and racial, gender, and economic justice. Before joining Everyday Democracy, Merle served as Chief Equity and Engagement Officer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, where she led organizational transformation through community engagement initiatives. She is also co-facilitator and leader with the Anti-Racist Alliance and the co-founder of the The BIPOC Project, an antiracist collective committed to building solidarity among people of color.