The Power of Early Exposure
From an early age, Dr. Humie Woo knew she wanted to become an engineer. Growing up in a family of engineers and computer scientists, she was surrounded by conversations about technology, problem-solving, and innovation. Those experiences helped her envision a future in STEM long before she entered university.
Similarly, Dr. James Woo always knew he wanted to become a physician. Raised in a family with many doctors, he grew up learning about medicine, patient care, and the impact healthcare professionals can have on people’s lives. The path to medicine felt attainable because he could see it firsthand.
Looking back, we recognize how fortunate we were.
Education was valued where we grew up. Opportunities were encouraged, and careers in engineering, technology, and medicine were never distant ideas; they were visible and attainable.
Impact of Mentors
Today, as parents of two daughters, Isabella and Marissa, we continue to see how powerful those conversations can be. Around our dinner table, discussions often center on careers, education, innovation, personal passions, and the many possibilities available in life. These everyday conversations help young people imagine futures they may never have considered otherwise.
Many students, however, grow up with limited exposure to careers in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, technology, and medicine. For many young girls, pursuing these fields can feel intimidating or even out of reach when there are few role models, mentors, or opportunities to explore them.
Bridging the Opportunity Gap
That is why we created AI²ER Foundation.
Our goal is not to tell girls what they should become. We are not trying to create only future doctors, engineers, or technology leaders. Rather, we want every girl to have the opportunity to explore these fields, learn from professionals, build confidence, and discover her own potential.
Through education, mentorship, hands-on experiences, and innovation challenges, AI²ER aims to open doors that might otherwise remain closed. We want young women to see what is possible, connect with role models who have walked similar paths, and gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue their ambitions.
As parents, educators, professionals, and community members, we’ve seen that talent can be found in every community, but access to opportunity is often shaped by the environment, resources, and support systems that surround a young person. AI²ER exists to help change that.
AI²ER was created to help bridge that gap.
Inspiring the Next Generation
We envision a future where more girls see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, researchers, engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders. By providing access, exposure, and support, we hope to inspire the next generation of young women who will create technologies, advance healthcare, strengthen communities, and improve lives.