Charles Elwood (ชาลี) (MSFT AI MVP)’s Post

"Dear Mom and Dad, I think I finally made it big time!" I was on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Opportunity Podcast talking about being a the only #Microsoft #AI MVP in #Michigan! How did I meet the host Edward D. Clemente? Well, I traveled to Vietnam and Thailand with Bing Goei, on a trade mission organized by Automation Alley. (Bing is now a City of Grand Rapids Commissioner), Bing then introduced me to Duc Abrahamson of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC). Duc then introduces me to Ed. Its crazy how this networking works and how connections can open so many doors. Dan Stewart, I also mention the AA Integr8 AI roundtable from earlier that same day in the podcast 🫨 Looking back on the podcast : I shared some advice for my younger self : I should have enjoyed living overseas a lot more when I was younger. It taught me so much about connecting with people, no matter where you are in the world. 🎧 Take a listen here : https://lnkd.in/gFgsUVes and comment on your favorite story.... Ed and I took this one all over the place.

Reflections on the #Artificialintelligence Workshop: Transforming Fear into Hope, Accessibility, and Equity. Yesterday I had the privilege of leading a workshop for 100 college students and business and civic leaders in West Michigan. West Michigan Asian American Association Just 3 years ago, I would have turned down this event, paralyzed by fear. Yesterday though, I confidently commanded the attention of the room and took everyone on an emotional and intellectual storytelling journey. How did I do this: I started the presentation by asking for everyone's fears, which included erosion of creativity, job loss, and cheating. I then asked for their hope for AI, and if they had a magic wand, what societal problem would they solve, we then talked about healthcare equity and infrastructure. The room was filled with ideas, from preventing bridge collapses and democratizing education. #microsoft #azure The Migraine and Blindspot: Powerful Conversations on the verge of my own meltdown. Mid presentation, a migraine blind spot threatened to halt my presentation. What happened exhibited human kindness and the power of community. Excedrin, glasses of water, electrolytes showed up at my podium. The audience allowed me a 5 minute break which sparked spontaneous, deep discussions among the attendees. The Future: Where this heads into our future : We navigated the ethical maze of AI in hiring, the sacredness of certain languages, and ideas like the EU's right to be forgotten. We also discussed how the University of Michigan is pioneering secure AI access for their students and staff. AI Voice to Bridge Communication: If got a lot of feedback that the most interesting stories, were those of AI giving a voice to those that no longer have a voice or don't process language in the same way. Be it dyslexia, ADHD, ALS, seizures or throat cancer. AI's power to heal and bridge this gap was powerful to discuss. #accessibility Looking Forward: The conversation ended with global consequences. I spoke with people about helping health trauma, improving education and infrastructure and healthcare in far flung places like Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Philippines and Thailand. AI is not just a technology, its not a normal tool. Its a pathway to understanding, a tool for equity, and a means to give the voiceless a voice. Your thoughts: Your Fears? Your Magic Wand answer -> What world problem are you interested in solving? Duc Abrahamson, Edward D. Clemente, Dean Whittaker I would love your input!

A Journey from 3D printing for Pandemic Response into the Future of Manufacturing (aka Industry 4.0 and includes #AI😬) In 2020, as the world grappled with the crisis (I don't even want to say its name). A group of innovators in West Michigan (I'll name in comments), embarked on an impossible mission (we started without money 💵). We 3D Printed face shields and ear savers and delivered to front line workers. This eventually led us to sending 10,000 face shields to Puerto Rico, a testament to collaboration (Haworth, Omni Die and Engineering) and what technology can achieve. This was the beginning, now we have Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Industry 4.0 Signature Initiative, a grant program that provides 50% reimbursement for I4.0 technology up to $25k. Yes, this grant covers #artificialintelligence, #additivemanufacturing, and #cybersecurity. Why this Matters: Michigan is at the cusp of this digital revolution with I4.0 at its heart. Our state rich in manufacturing heritage and advanced workforce can and will lead the charge! Join Automation Alley and hosts Grand Valley State University, Advanced Medical Device Innovations, LLC and 3DXTECH for a roundtable on additive manufacturing in #Michigan. May 9, 2024 Grand Valley State University 227 Winter Ave NE, Innovation Design Center, Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/g-QBcfye The Goal: by 2025 prepare 50% of Michigan manufacturers for Industry 4.0! I'm already working with 3 companies on this grant...don't get left behind... Join me and take a leap into the unknown 🛣️ DM me for more crazy ideas or just go ahead and type them below 😬 Dan Stewart Jennifer Wangler Edward D. Clemente

As a proud first-generation Thai American and a recognized Microsoft Artificial Intelligence MVP, I've confronted numerous challenges head-on. Merely two years ago, I was hesitant to fully embrace my identity, deterred by the rising tide of Asian Hate and widespread fear about AI's impact on the job market. #AI However, my experience at the recent Microsoft MVP Summit, which I attended virtually and absorbed at 2x playback speed, has markedly changed my viewpoint. I am now firmly of the belief that, despite AI's vast potential, humanity is capable of enacting necessary regulations to mitigate its dangers. Dan Stewart Peering into the future, I draw inspiration from forward-thinking initiatives such as Singapore's comprehensive incorporation of AI into their educational framework and their strategies to acquaint their senior citizens with new technologies. Similarly, the University of Michigan's decision to provide Azure GPT-4 access to its entire campus community signals a leap towards a more innovative educational approach. University of Michigan My work with AI to tailor educational content for neurodiverse learners further solidifies my conviction in its beneficial capabilities. Given these advancements, I'm curious about your predictions: How will AI transform healthcare, education, and our broader society over the next decade? #education Will our path forward be a repeating cycle of calm periods, challenges, and adaptations, or will we carve out a new route, overcoming the challenges that lie ahead? I'm excited to delve deeper into these topics and share my insights at the upcoming Asian International Leadership Summit in Grand Rapids on April 12th. This platform offers a unique opportunity to discuss the intersection of technology, leadership, and cultural identity, exploring how we can collectively navigate the future of AI. West Michigan Asian American Association Photo Caption: Pictured is my son Joshua Elwood, currently a student at the University of Michigan. With the university integrating GPT-4 into their curriculum, I can't help but wonder about the heights he and his peers will reach in this rapidly evolving landscape. Join me at the Summit to explore what lies ahead.

Instilling leadership values in our youth has led to a Tulip Time Festival parade float🌷I wanted to introduce my 3 boys to the Rotary International ethos of "service above self" by starting an Interact Club at West Ottawa High School 2 years ago. What inspires me is that this club's leadership is following their dreams, setting a vision and making a positive impact in our community. I stand in awe, (yes awe), of our young leaders like Kona, our club President who is currently in El Salvador building homes for the less fortunate (I was too afraid to go on this trip). Or our VP, Anne, who spearheaded an ambitious project to enhance water safety in our community. 🛟🚤 Our latest venture is symbolic and practical, a float for the Kinderparade at Tulip Time. The Tulips are constructed of pool noodles, and the petals will be life jackets. This project supported by generous donations from the DNR/Holland State Park and our Meijer North Holland Store, aims to celebrate our communities spirit and also champion WATER SAFETY. Anne's vision extends beyond the parade, she wants to distribute these life jackets to beachgoers, and educate them about the structural currents, in particular at Holland State Park pier structure. But to do this we need your help. We NEED life jackets, and funds to purchase additional life jackets. Our Interact Club works closely with the West Michigan Water Safety Alliance a 501-c3 non-profit and coalition formed with the support of the Coast Guard, Ottawa County Sheriffs Department, DNR, Fire Department, Park Township, Rotarians and many others. This project is a testament to what young leaders can achieve with support and guidance. Its about building a safer, more informed community together. DM me if you can help. Every life jacket makes a difference. #leadership #rotary #michigan

I'm celebrating my friend Bing Goei's historic appointment to the Grand Rapid's City Commission. The first Asian American representative! Bing you are unwavering in your commitment to the community, an advocate for the underserved, and have a remarkable journey as an entrepreneur. (Our trade mission to Thailand and Vietnam was an adventure too 😁). Such an inspiration! Can't wait for the Asian International Leadership Summit at the Goei Center on April 12th!

5 Years ago, I left the corporate grind! My new dream was to own my time, to make a larger societal impact and to build a brighter future for my kids. I was done making widgets for somebody else. Fast forward to today: My two startup ventures, SolisMatica and MyAudioBank are ready to expansion! I'm preparing to welcome 10 new faces next year. My vision : For these companies to be more than just businesses, They are movements that champion freedom with your time and societal impact with AI. Taking one of the biggest leaps yet, I have decided to open an office in the Goei Center, located in a Grand Rapids disadvantaged zone. This is not about growing, but about creating jobs and opportunities for others. To fuel this growth: I applied for the MEDC inclusive entrepreneurship grant and the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures lab grant. Competition is fierce and rejection is likely. I sometimes wonder how to I prove to others that this movement is bigger than just me? I dream of a Michigan rich in STEM jobs, diverse talent, and advanced education powered by AI. This responsibility is overwhelming! To cope I run a 5k daily, using this break to escape the pressure. I also travel to Chiang Khan, Thailand (pictured below, can you spot me?)) and the plains of Montana and often reflect on the impact I have already made: Giving people their original voice back through neural voice technology, helping those that lost their voice from cancer, ALS, cerebral palsy and now working to overcome language barriers, especially where English isn't the primary language (ie Thailand, Japan). My journey is a testament to the power of big dreams and the relentless but balanced pursuit to make the dreams a reality. Interested in joining this movement and one of my startups? DM me or comment below about your big dreams about making a larger impact. Tagging some of my incredible supporters: Dan Stewart, Jennifer Pascua, Bing Goei #articialintelligence #michigan

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬! I'm shaping the future of AI at Automation Alley in Detroit, at Herrick District Library in Holland (Michigan 🌷), virtually in Seattle at the Microsoft MVP summit, and via MEDC's Michigan Opportunity podcast. #michigan What’s At Stake? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: Are we prepared for the new industries AI will create? Are our recent graduates ready? Are companies looking for AI literate candidates? 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 #artificialintelligence : How do we navigate the moral dilemmas AI presents? How do we protect our identities? Germany's "right to be forgotten" is interesting. 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: Can we adapt quickly to maintain a competitive edge? Singapore is already a year ahead of everybody. 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: How does AI transform our approach to learning and teaching? What will happen to teaching jobs? Can we inspire a love of learning? Where are these discussions? 🎙️ 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐂 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭: Ed Clemente and I discussed the Future of work in Michigan...we took this all over the place with lots of ENERGY. 🔧 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲'𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: Exploring 3 essential questions: 1) What are initial forms of regulation 2) How do we train our workforce and students? 3) What challenges do you see for implementation? 🌐 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭'𝐬 𝐌𝐕𝐏 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭: Microsoft wants to empower all individuals...sorry I can't say anything because of NDA 🤫 I wish I was there in person! 📚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲: Inspiring future generations about how I went from an BS EE and an MBA (Purdue) to two startups in AI. Thanks Sara Devries for setting this up. Coming up : 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 : Can AI help prevent Michigan's brain drain so we can retain STEM talent? I do love our beaches...🏖️ Minnie Morey Jennifer Pascua Your Insights Matter As we stand at this crossroads, contemplating AI's role in our future, please share your thoughts: What steps can we take to harness AI’s potential responsibly? 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐲. OK...I did fly my drone, I'll try to upload in the comments.

An important event for our Asian and International Talent and West Michigan's future! April 12th, check out event link for more info. Jennifer Pascua, Bing Goei, Minnie Morey #michigan #future

Why did this first generation Asian American decide to stay in West #michigan ? 🤔💭 I'm reflecting on Bing Goei's invitation to move my two AI based #startups into his Goei Center, startup incubator. The Goei Center is a beautifully refurbished old furniture factory, - located in a GR City Smartzone, - an MEDC Opportunity Zone - and a disadvantaged area of City of Grand Rapids. This story starts when I was younger, traveling the world for my father's job. 🗣️My first language was Thai and in the 1st grade, I took the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and failed miserably. A letter was sent home saying that I didn't belong in the American School System. My father, undeterred fought for my place in the school. Fast forward a few years, I not only proved I belong but also excelled. I earned a - BS in Electrical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology - 1 Year MBA from Purdue University Daniels School of Business, - a place as Michigan's first Microsoft AI MVP. Below is a picture from my childhood, riding in a Model T C-Cab Pickup, restored and driven by my grandfather, a Pearl Harbor Survivor and my hero. His legacy of resilience and courage has always inspired me to push boundaries and believe in my own worth. 🛣️ Your journey to belonging might look different from mine, but we are all looking for a place where we are - valued, - understood - celebrated. What is your journey? And thanking the Microsoft team, your AI products have changed my trajectory the past 2 years.