Tarja Stephens

Tarja Stephens is a prominent Finnish-American business leader, strategic advisor, and entrepreneur, currently serving as a committee member on the Women in AI Leadership and Task Force at AI 2030. She is also a co-founder of Mia, Mission Impact Academy, which aims to empower women through education in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. The organization has set an ambitious goal to upskill one million women by 2030, focusing on inclusive innovation in the AI sector.13

Professional Background

• Co-Founder of Mia: Tarja has been instrumental in laying the foundations of Mia, which provides AI education and skilling opportunities specifically designed for non-technical women.12
• Panelist at Global Events: She has contributed to significant discussions at events such as the World Economic Forum, where she emphasized the importance of economic mobility for diverse talent in AI.2
• Leadership Experience: Tarja has held various leadership roles, including Chief Business Development Officer and Vice President of Operational Excellence at Makinen, where she focused on business growth and innovation.3

Advocacy and Vision

Tarja is a strong advocate for gender equality in technology and emphasizes the need for educational programs that prepare women for careers in AI. Her insights address critical issues such as the skills gap in the industry and the necessity for financial support for women-led ventures in AI.24

Education and Certifications

Tarja holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on International Business and Marketing. She has also completed several certifications related to project management and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.3

Through her work, Tarja Stephens continues to be a leading voice advocating for women's representation and success in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.