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AI & Jobs: Understanding AI's Impact on the Workforce

May 13, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (MDT)

Description

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how businesses operate, how employees work, and how communities prepare for the future. Join us for an evening exploring what these changes mean for Southwest Colorado. 

The event will begin with a keynote presentation examining national and global trends in AI and employment. 

Next, a panel of regional business leaders will discuss how AI is beginning to shape industries across the Four Corners, followed by audience Q&A. 

The evening concludes with networking, giving attendees the chance to connect with fellow business leaders, educators, and community members interested in the future of work.

Meet the Panelists:

Diane Howe is a software engineer with three decades of experience building software for businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises. In the past year, her job has changed dramatically as she began integrating AI tools into nearly every part of the development process—from writing and testing code to analyzing system behavior and exploring new solutions. Today she views AI less as a tool and more as a collaborator that is reshaping how engineers work. Diane brings a practitioner’s perspective on how AI is already transforming technical jobs and what that shift means for the future workforce.

Zachary Ray is the owner and President of Desert Sun Coffee Roasters in Durango, Colorado, a certified organic and fair trade business focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing. A graduate of Fort Lewis College, Zach has worked in international development, including serving as Country Program Manager in Myanmar, where he supported community-led projects in rural villages. He has been with Desert Sun since 2009 and now leads the company’s mission-driven growth. Zach also serves in leadership roles with Cooperative Coffees and the Shanta Foundation, and is dedicated to using business as a force for positive social and environmental impact.

Ashley Christie is the Executive Director of the Local First Foundation, where she focuses on strengthening locally-owned independent businesses and building a resilient local economy. In the past year, her work has evolved through the integration of AI tools, supported by a grant from the AI Institute at Fort Lewis College, to streamline the Be Local Coupon Book process and enhance the organization’s marketing efforts. Previously, she worked in museums, managing and organizing the flow of content and information both internally and externally, bringing a systems-oriented approach to storytelling and operations.  


This event is hosted in partnership with:


Location

Center for Innovation

2nd floor of Main Mall
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