Joanna gave a guest lecture for Social Work graduate students on AI, Innovations, and Futurism. Through her lecture, she gave an overview of the AI ecosystem, discussed AI fundamentals and terminology, and used case studies to facilitate a discussion on whether AI will perpetuate bias or equity in the social sector.

Joanna worked in partnership with Loyola University and Social Current to facilitate a three-hour AI workshop for nonprofit executives. She presented an overview of the AI landscape, fundamentals, and organization and individual considerations for AI adoption. Joanna then guided the participants to develop system prompts to accelerate a repeatable task in their daily workflows.

Joanna held a session, “AI for Mission-Driven Work,” at the Siebert Lutheran Foundation’s biannual Inspired to Thrive Conference in Milwaukee, WI. Joanna presented an overview of AI, engaging the audience in a dynamic discussion of their concerns, excitement, and questions about using AI for their mission-driven work.

Joanna spoke on a panel about ethical AI around transparency, confidentiality, verification, human judgment, and data representation. She emphasized the importance of using our critical thinking skills and discernment, and maintaining the human in the loop, when using AI tools ethically and responsibly.

Joanna presented a talk, “The Innovation Paradox: Why Foundation Wealth is Their Greatest Weakness” that addressed philanthropy's stagnation due to operating in a unique economic environment without revenue pressure or competition. And, that we have an opportunity to fundamentally recreate the philanthropic process through technology, removing barriers between resources and need.

Joanna facilitated a workshop during the AI for Good Symposium at the Simmons Center for a Global Chicago. A recurring theme was authenticity, with resonating questions of how we can use these tools while remaining authentic to our values, our voices, and those whom we serve.

Joanna presented “AI Essentials for Small Businesses: Fundraising & Grant Writing” in St. Paul, MN. She discussed how AI tools can help founders spend more time working “in” the business rather than “on” the business.

Joanna presented "AI in the Social Sector" at the Lutheran Grantmakers Conference in Milwaukee, WI.  She emphasized the importance of responsible AI adoption and showcased case studies of nonprofits and foundations using AI to optimize workflows, increase efficiency, and enhance impact.

With her techno-optimistic perspective, Joanna encourages listeners to embrace curiosity over fear and actively participate in shaping the future of AI development and utilization. She envisions a future where responsible AI adoption leads to a more equitable distribution of resources and fosters authentic human connections within the philanthropic ecosystem.

Joanna participated in NXUnite’s panel "What AI Means to Nonprofits in 2024", sharing her insights on how AI will impact grant writing, and the social sector more broadly in 2024 and beyond.