The Data Front

Reflections on Five Years of Data + Women London and How AI Can Empower Inclusive Communities

As we step into the second half of 2025, I’ve found myself reflecting on how the world of data communities might evolve with the rapid advancements in AI. Having co-hosted the Data + Women London user group for five incredible years, I’m increasingly curious about what the next chapter looks like. What does AI mean for community-building—both externally and within organisations? How might the experience of attending and running user groups shift?

When I relaunched Data + Women London in 2023, my mission was clear: create inclusive, engaging spaces where everyone—especially women—could confidently step into data conversations, share their expertise, and find a supportive network. From our interactive networking games to panels with inspiring speakers, we’ve always put people and community at the heart of our events.

But organising these gatherings is no small task. Planning content, aligning speakers, tracking registrations, engaging participants, and even capturing feedback—these tasks require significant effort and coordination. While our passion always carried us through, it’s clear there’s potential to enhance and streamline these processes, creating richer experiences for everyone involved.

Over the past year, I’ve explored how AI tools like Gemini & Gems and ChatGPT can significantly ease my day-to-day workload. From drafting blog articles and LinkedIn posts, scheduling meetings, and managing emails, these tools have provided invaluable support. Gemini & Gems, for instance, have transformed how I handle emails, helping craft clearer, more engaging messages, and even supporting apprenticeship marking by efficiently reviewing and providing consistent feedback. Similarly, ChatGPT has become my go-to for framing, critiquing, and enhancing various pieces of content, offering fresh perspectives and valuable insights.

Translating these AI-driven efficiencies into community hosting excites me. Imagine an AI assistant that helps identify trending topics in data based on member feedback and interactions, suggesting timely and relevant themes for upcoming events. Consider tools that effortlessly manage scheduling conflicts, propose diverse speakers, draft engaging communications, and generate personalised event summaries. AI can help ensure clarity and consistency in communications, making community engagement smoother and more inclusive.

We’ve already glimpsed this potential at my day job during the Tableau Agent pilot at John Lewis Partnership, where AI simplified repetitive tasks, making room for deeper, more impactful conversations. Leveraging similar AI capabilities in the community work could mean more time for meaningful interactions, richer discussions, and greater inclusivity.

Yet, it’s essential to approach this future thoughtfully. AI should amplify, not replace, the human connections that make our communities thrive. The warmth, authenticity, and support we cherish at Data + Women London must remain front and centre.

As I look ahead, I’m genuinely excited. AI offers a powerful opportunity—not just to streamline operations but to deepen human engagement. Here’s to embracing this exciting new chapter in data community-building, where human insight and AI innovation come together to create spaces that are more inclusive, impactful, and vibrant than ever.