New York Launches AI Workforce Initiative Focused on Women

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a series of listening sessions examining how artificial intelligence is affecting workers, with the first session focusing on the potential impact of AI-driven job disruptions on women.

The initiative is intended to address concerns about AI's effect on workers while New York continues to expand its use and development of the technology.

The first listening session includes women whose jobs have already been affected by AI. Administrative, clerical and customer service positions are among the types of work expected to be significantly affected by AI. Women account for 84% of employment in these roles in New York, according to Hochul's office.

Hochul's office also points to the importance of these occupations, noting that they have historically provided opportunities for workers to improve their financial position.

The initiative is part of Hochul's broader effort to make New York a leader in AI regulation and workforce training. The state recently introduced an executive order establishing a statewide data center moratorium and provides AI training and tools to its more than 100,000 state employees.

The listening session is being conducted through Hochul's FutureWorks Commission. The commission is responsible for developing ways to track AI's effects on workers in real time and recommending policy and private-sector responses by the end of the year.

Additional listening sessions are planned in the coming weeks.