AI for Community: Preserving Culture and Tradition through Artificial Intelligence

By Moradinezhad, Ardalan, Banifatemi, Gonzalez, Ingram, Williams

In AI for Community, a diverse team of authors explores how artificial intelligence can be shaped by—and for—local communities. This groundbreaking book introduces the concept of Cultural AI, a framework that blends technology with ancestral knowledge to protect language, culture, and identity.

From grassroots projects like the Indigenous Knowledge Graph to global efforts by UNESCO, the book showcases powerful stories of AI preserving heritage and amplifying voices too often overlooked. It features collaborations with Māori media, Black universities, and spiritual scholars—each offering a human-centered approach to technology.

With interviews, multimedia resources, and real-world applications, AI for Community redefines what ethical, community-driven AI can look like—and why it matters. A must-read for anyone working at the intersection of tech, culture, and social impact.

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About the Authors

Reza Moradinezhad

Reza Moradinezhad is an assistant teaching professor of computer science at Drexel University College of Computing and Informatics and a former AI scientist at TulipAI. His research focuses on designing trustworthy and effective interaction techniques for human‑AI collaboration, particularly with embodied virtual agents (EVAs). Recognized for his contributions to AI research, his work spans collaborations with institutions such as the MIT Media Lab and Harvard University.

Iran Davar Ardalan

Iran Davar Ardalan is a leading AI Strategist, where she contributes to AI research in the civil sector. Formerly the founder of TulipAI, Ardalan is known for her expertise in Responsible AI, merging AI tools with creative content generation and developing AI‑driven solutions such as custom GPTs and virtual assistants. Her career includes leadership roles at National Geographic, NPR News, and the White House Presidential Innovation Fellowship program, where she championed data and AI and health initiatives. Her research in cultural intelligence, which focuses on AI’s role in preserving culture, nature, history, and wisdom, was featured in the New York Times in March 2022.

Amir Banifatemi

Amir Banifatemi is an accomplished technology executive and strategist with over 25 years of experience in AI and emerging technology ventures. As chief innovation officer at XPRIZE and co‑founder of the AI for Good Global Summit, Banifatemi has driven human‑centered AI advancement. His work with the AI Commons and the Global Partnership on AI’s Responsible AI group reflects his dedication to promoting AI as a tool for public empowerment.

Fernando Gonzalez

Fernando Gonzalez is a professor and chair of the Department of Computing and Software Engineering at Florida Gulf Coast University. His background is in automation, starting with the intelligent control of automated systems such as manufacturing systems and the U.S. electric power grid to the automation of software tasks through the use of intelligent agents for the Semantic Web. His work in the U.S. Department of Energy and various academic institutions underscores his commitment to advancing AI in ways that benefit society.

Myles Ingram

Myles Ingram is the founder and CEO of MylesAI Consulting, specializing in developing conversational agents for clients across multiple industries. Holding a bachelor’s in biophysics from Harvard University and a master’s in data science from Columbia University, he advocates for the ethical implementation of AI technologies. While at Harvard, he was particularly interested in classics and Latin—subjects that earned him acceptance into the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program during high school. Before founding his company, Myles worked at Columbia University Medical Center, publishing AI models for cancer treatment and public health. He also advises AI‑based startups in the academic research sector and presents his research at global conferences like the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Lucretia Williams

Lucretia Williams is a senior research scientist at Howard University’s Human‑Centered AI Institute. Her work focuses on the lived experiences of underrepresented communities, examining how emerging technologies can improve their access to systems that traditionally overlook their needs. Specializing in designing and evaluating culturally responsive health technologies for underrepresented communities, Williams’ research spans international borders. She is one of the first Black women to earn a PhD in informatics at the University of California, Irvine, and is a co‑founder of an AI‑based startup.