Inspire AI: Transforming RVA Through Technology and Automation
Our mission is to cultivate AI literacy in the Greater Richmond Region through awareness, community engagement, education, and advocacy. In this podcast, we spotlight companies and individuals in the region who are pioneering the development and use of AI.
Inspire AI: Transforming RVA Through Technology and Automation
Ep 6 - Empowering Veterans and Transforming Communities w/ Chris Mowry
Chris Mowry, the Chief Information Technology Officer of the Virginia State Police and a Marine Corps veteran, joins us to explore an innovative approach to advancing AI literacy within the Richmond community. Through the veteran cohort initiative, Chris shares how peer-led groups are revolutionizing the way veterans and other community members engage with AI. This grassroots effort is part of a larger mission by AI Ready RVA to foster community connections, support career transitions, and provide mental health tools and accessibility for disabled veterans. Discover the untapped potential that veterans have in transitioning into AI roles, thanks to their strategic thinking and leadership skills, which position them as future innovators in the tech world.
Join us as we discuss AI Ready RVA's initiatives, such as sponsorships, mentorships, and workshops, all designed to position Richmond as a leader in AI and offer veterans expanded career opportunities. We're also excited about an upcoming presentation on January 21st that promises to introduce the foundations of AI to those interested, including veterans eager to expand their career options in the tech landscape. Hear about our personal motivation behind supporting this initiative and how it aligns with our vision of fostering AI literacy and growth within the community. This episode is packed with insights and opportunities for anyone looking to explore the intersection of AI and veteran expertise.
Welcome RVA to Inspire AI, where we spotlight companies and individuals in the region who are pioneering the development and use of artificial intelligence. I'm Jason McGinty from AI Ready RVA. At AI Ready RVA, our mission is to cultivate AI literacy in the greater Richmond region through awareness, community engagement, education and advocacy. Today's episode is made possible by Modern Ancients driving innovation with purpose. Modern Ancients uses AI and strategic insight to help businesses create lasting, positive change with their unique journey consulting practice. Find out more about how your business can grow at modernagentscom, and thanks to our listeners for tuning in today. If you or your company would like to be featured in the Inspire AI Richmond episode, please drop us a message. Don't forget to like, share or follow our content and stay up to date on the latest events for AI Ready RVA.
Speaker 1:In today's episode, I'm excited to introduce our guest, chris Mowry, who currently holds the role of CITO or Chief Information Technology Officer with the Virginia State Police. He is a Marine Corps veteran and an AI-ready RVA board member. He's lived in Richmond, virginia, for 20 years and has worked for companies like Capital One and Raytheon Technologies. Chris is also passionate about driving technology change with a focus on user experience. Please join me in welcoming Chris to the show. Hey, thanks for having me, jason. Yeah, again, chris, thanks for joining today. I'd like to start the audience off with tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to join our show today.
Speaker 2:Sure, as you mentioned, I've spent four years in the Marine Corps. I probably have over two decades of experience in tech. Definitely I'm passionate about innovation, ai, building out community and just really professional and personal growth, especially for my fellow veterans and for me, kind of joining this show. You know, as we've talked, I think this is an incredible opportunity to share the vision and purpose behind the veteran cohort that we're kicking off. I believe it's a great way to build out community engagement relative to the individual interest because, you know, as we talk, all the time, ai is fast moving and I think, by creating the multipliers, lining our goals to be an AI-ready city, which is part of our own mission, it's yeah, I kind of want to share how this initiative can take a meaningful difference, encouraging others to get involved in being AI-ready.
Speaker 1:Yep All right. Well, thank you for sharing that story and for your service, of course. It's, of course, inspiring to see how you've committed and combined your experience in the Marine Corps with your passion for technology and innovation. The veteran cohort sounds like a truly impactful initiative, so tell us what are cohorts and why is it a valuable approach to fostering innovation and growth?
Speaker 2:Sure, yeah, this isn't the first cohort we set up. It's probably what number four or five on the list, but the idea is it's really, you know peer-led groups, you know that fit various industries or sectors of society. So it's, you know we have the veterans one, we have, you know, women in AI, so multitude of them, with finance as well, and it's essentially just allowing like-minded people to gather and discuss. You know aspects you know of AI. You know in relation to you know the reason they're connecting, ie veterans coming in to connect with like-minded folks.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so cohorts are peer-led groups that create an environment where individuals come together with shared interests and collaborate. I imagine they are learning from each other and solving problems together, and I think by focusing on community building and aligning discussions to AI, you're not just creating a network, you're creating a movement towards shared goals. Yes, it's exciting. How does the cohort model support the mission of AI Ready RBA and how does the veteran cohort align with that broader mission?
Speaker 2:through the support of the education committee. So really we don't want to be part of I think manpower-wise we can't be part of all the cohorts and things that'll stand up over time. But what we can do is really support those led groups, again through our education committee, to make sure they really align to the agenda. Lines relate to the mission of AI ready RVA. You know, cultivating the AI literacy that we've. You know we've talked about multiple, multiple times and, and I think the veteran cohort is exactly, could be one of those two right, it's kind of that framework to bring strong community and those that have served bring them together. You know, and also, when you look at not only the veterans but you, you, you can see the allies of veterans and even families, because families are really, you know, you ask any veteran, there's a backbone for, for those, for those veterans.
Speaker 1:Yeah. So it sounds like it's well aligned to AI Ready RVA's mission and, being a framework, it also encourages both self-organization and collaboration with the support of the committees to ensure the community remains grounded in the AI literacy. Mission right, mission right. So, yeah, I think the veteran cohort in particular adds such a powerful dimension to bringing together individuals who have served and creating a space where shared experiences and unique perspectives amplify the broader mission. It's a true testament to the strength of the cohort approach.
Speaker 2:Yes, I definitely agree. It's, you know, I think it's going to be one of many that we're going to, you know, kick off and, just like all the other ones, hopefully it'll be just as well received Cool.
Speaker 1:All right, tell us what. What kind of support, resources and training will participants in the veteran cohort receive?
Speaker 2:So it's still early. Exactly, how you know, the veteran cohort will fully support its community, but what I you know what I'm thinking I feel it could do it can help facilitate career transitions, tools that can assist with mental help, expand on accessibility for those disabled veterans, really create connections. I think there's a lot of veteran type of organizations that are out there, but I think this is another way to do that and ultimately, those, I think, are a couple of the things that could come out of it. But ultimately, I'm hoping for us to come together and leverage AI in a way that maybe you know I'm not even covering here today, and I think that'll be.
Speaker 1:That'll be a win is that the cohort participants will receive guidance from the committee, which will, of course, benefit from the tools that facilitate some of the most important concerns for veterans that you spoke of, and maybe, by offering this holistic set of resources, you're also addressing their personal and professional growth.
Speaker 2:Yes, and I know we did some early marketing and trying to get some folks and there's, you know I've had, I have, a handful of folks that have reached out. So you know it's really organizing, you know, those group, those folks, and and discuss. You know, what do we want to offer? Because I think I said I'm just touching on a few. I think there's a lot more that I'm not even covering. I think could's a lot more that I'm not even covering. I think can come out of this and then, as we talk to families and allies, I can only imagine it'll grow pretty quickly.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, I think you know. Follow the model of AI Ready RVA. You start with a vision and you inspire a few willing participants to invest and commit their time into that vision and you know, organically, you will figure out what to do next. I think it will work really well for you.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm excited about it, for sure.
Speaker 1:All right, cool. So what outcomes do you hope to see from the veteran cohort in the short and long term?
Speaker 2:Sure, I think in the short term, I'm hopeful that a lot of military families, allies and vets that are interested engage in how I can impact them. So it's really getting that message out. So I'm hopefully, I'm hopeful that some of the efforts that we're going to do like this you know I was talking today uh, some of the marketing that we've, we've put out there that will start to draw in those, those groups and from that foundation, the long-term is really like connect with some others other great veteran groups that are out there to then either a foster stronger partnerships in the veteran community, connect vets and families to other tools while using AI, but also finding those other vets and those other groups and seeing maybe could leverage AI help as well. So, ultimately, the long term is how can we really extend AI as a tool to help those not only those groups, but vets and families?
Speaker 1:Yeah it's a great vision, building a foundation in the short term. Of course, you know whatever structure is needed to start to unlock AI's potential for the long term. Right, yes, it's just clear that the initiative has the potential to create lasting change. Yeah, I hope so, not just for the veteran community, but for everyone.
Speaker 2:Yes, I really hope so. I've talked to a couple of veteran groups outside of our AI Ready and there's some interest out there. I think it's really getting it kicked off and going and I think it'll grow pretty quick grassroots efforts with, for sure, real imagination behind them, usually do.
Speaker 1:Yes, all right. What role does the broader rba community play in supporting the, the cohort success?
Speaker 2:Sure, we have really successful cohort kickoffs and a lot of that has been with pushing through our channels like LinkedIn, instagram, word of mouth. That's been successful, so I think it's the same here is leveraging the people that we already have in AI Ready members in our organization and those allies of vets as well and I think it's just arming them with the information and helping with, like the other cohorts, getting that word out.
Speaker 1:Yeah, definitely involvement is key. Yes, making the initiative like this thrive through community involvement. There are so many opportunities to contribute. So spreading the word, like you said, engaging families and allies, yes, and it's a grassroots support effort that takes a lot of people to stand up. Once it gets going, self perpetuates.
Speaker 2:Yes, going self-perpetuates, yes, and we've had, I think, really good success with the cohorts that we've stood up by just doing that grassroots effort. So I would expect this will be the same.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it definitely strengthens the network and connections that members of the cohort can build upon. You just kind of hand over certain resources to the members and makes it very easy to, one contribute and, two, take advantage of the personal and professional growth. I agree, All right, Tell us why is it important for veterans to engage with AI and emerging technologies in today's job market?
Speaker 2:I know you know this. I mean the job market's competitive right, and I think companies are facing challenges in finding talent. You know equipped to take AI-related roles. Facing challenges and finding talent you know equipped to take you know AI related roles because it's it's slowly starting to change, or like the roles of yesterday are starting to go away, but that doesn't mean there won't be new roles that that stand up you know from that. So, and I think veterans bring you know unique skills. You know strategic thinking, you know solving problems under pressure and just leadership that you learn just by being in the military. I think you pair those with some AI expertise and bring those two together. I think it enhances their ability to innovate and lead through those tech-driven environments. So, really, in a nutshell, it's you know it's giving them an opportunity to expand career options in the new world as we continue to advance AI technology.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah. Such an important point that veterans bring incredible skills to the community and when you pair that with the incredible technologies, their doors open and they'll open for the veterans who are leading the drive through the technology change.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yes, yeah, 100%. I think it's. That's a resilient. You know if you you give them a problem, I mean they're going to, they'll figure it out. You know if we can arm them with ways with you know ways to leverage these AI tools. I imagine some don't know the capabilities or even how to scratch. You know some of the basics and hopefully we'll be able to bring that to them. I think, once we start opening those pathways and those doors, though, it'll take off for them.
Speaker 1:Yeah, pathways in those doors, though it'll take off for them. Yeah well, we happen to have a prepared presentation on the 21st of january, which should probably be the day after this podcast goes live. So get it, get out the the notice to your organization. They can see the value of the presentation, where it's going to introduce the foundations of artificial intelligence to its audience. It should be live and hopefully recorded, so you can always look back as well. Yes, so how can veterans and other interested individuals apply for this program?
Speaker 2:Sure, there's a few ways you can go through our website AI, ready, rba. You can reach out to myself or really anybody on the board. We have plenty of names that are floating out there that you can see, so just reach out to one of the members, go to the website, you know. Send. Send a message to the, you know, to the group. You know someone will get.
Speaker 1:we'll get back to you, for sure yeah, I think our website developers have recently added a space for cohorts as well. So if you go to a rba comm board, slash cohorts, I would venture to. If you go to AIRBAcom forward, slash cohorts, I would venture to guess. Yeah, I believe that's right, all the cohorts there and hopefully be able to sync up with the right members.
Speaker 2:Yes, and, like I said, we've been pretty busy out there in the channels, so it won't be hard to find one of us out there making the call we are making our way around.
Speaker 1:Yes, we are. So tell me, are there opportunities for RVA businesses or maybe community members to get involved in supporting the cohort? Sure?
Speaker 2:I mean it always helps. You know, through sponsorship and funding, offering mentorship opportunities, workshops and training, employment partnerships. You know, as we talk about trying to skill, you know veterans in these areas. I think that's a potential pathway networking events and just helping us promote the initiative. You know through those, through their channels. You know through those, through their channels, you know it's again it goes back to that grassroots. You know more people that can help us get the word out. It'll reach. It'll reach the right people.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I definitely personally witnessed the power of sponsorship, mentorship, workshops and the promotion of these initiatives. These partnerships can definitely play a huge role in the cohort success.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:I agree, yeah, so what inspired you to become involved in the AI Ready RBA initiative and stand up the veteran cohort?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think it's with the year I had last year and just having a lot of downtime, and I think it's really got started digging into AI and I really believe a community that's knowledgeable about AI benefits everyone. It's going to change every aspect or every aspect of our lives at some point. It's not going away. So I think it's focusing on what we're doing on education. You know, demystifying the technology and using it to make you know lives better. I mean that's exciting stuff. You know it's. You know when you're you're innovating and changing and you know how to use it for good. I mean that's it's when you're innovating and changing and you know how to use it for good. I mean that's short of amazing. Probably, I can say, and I really believe, through our community, right, with things that we've talked about, I think there's really a lot of smart and passionate people in Richmond and I know one of the reasons we stood this up is to be that that leader and to be considered, you know, continue to be considered a beacon for. For ai, I think, is.
Speaker 1:I mean it's exciting, right, I want, I want to be part of that and I know you do too, jason, so it's that's why we're doing these things right yeah, yeah, I think, speaking for myself and the rest of the AI Ready RBA community, our passion for giving back to the community, and yours to the veteran community, is truly remarkable. I've seen some deeply invested business leaders go way outside of their normal means to stand things up and make this magic happen. So I'd say it's. It's clear that our commitment to fostering AI literacy and creating opportunities for growth is is deeply rooted in our belief in the power of community.
Speaker 2:Yes, and when you look at like veterans, you know it's nice to mention. You know we're resilient and it's it's family. You know it's. You know I want to give back to to my family. I know it's. You know the military was good to me and I know many others and it's it's a tight knit group. And you know, if I can, if I can throw in and help help another vet, I would do that anytime. Lovely, yeah, All right, so you've, you're going to be plugged in. Otherwise, keep close to the AI Ready RBA site or just through one of the numerous social channels that we're on LinkedIn, instagram, facebook. I feel like we're hitting all those channels, but I think the easiest thing is to join. We want everybody to be part of this change and this transformation. That's probably the easiest path.
Speaker 1:Yeah Well, there are multiple touch points offered for engagement. I think that definitely ensures anyone interested can find their way through the information. They're seeking to get involved in a meaningful way, which is what it's all about. Yes, for sure, outstanding All right. Last but not least, I'd love to wrap this interview up with a fun question for you, chris Sure. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Speaker 2:That's a hard question. I think it would be the ability to instantly understand and share information and knowledge with anyone, anywhere. It's hard to learn stuff, and especially how fast the technology changes as soon as you look, as soon as you learn something, you're obsolete because it's already passed you by. So if I can pick that stuff up like instantly and share it, I think that'd be. I think that'd be my superpower I'm with you there.
Speaker 1:It's clear. It's clear that your passion for community building and innovation shines through here through your superpower. It reflects your dedication to fostering growth and creating meaningful connections Outstanding on your new role, Thank you. Thank you for your service once again, as well as your passion to help the community develop and grow. We are very fortunate to have you with the team and I very much look forward to working with you in the future going forward.
Speaker 2:Likewise, Jason, and thank you for you know, taking the time to put this together. This is, you know. This is fun, you know. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. This was fun. I'm looking forward to seeing more of what you're going to do with this podcast and the other work we're going to do together. Awesome stuff, man. All right, Cheers.
Speaker 1:Cheers and thanks to our listeners for tuning in today. If you or your company would like to be featured in the Inspire AI Richmond episode, please drop us a message. Don't forget to like, share or follow our content and stay up to date on the latest events for AI Ready RVA. Thank you again and see you next time.
