ANNA Mae Yu Lamentillo, founder of NightOwl AI and member of the Karay-a ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines, has been honored with the AI & Learning Award at the inaugural She Shapes AI Global Awards. The ceremony took place at University College London, where Lamentillo was recognized for her groundbreaking work in preserving endangered languages and fostering digital inclusion among marginalized communities worldwide.
Presented by UCL Professor and Stanford Digital Economy Lab Fellow Angela Aristidou, the award highlights Lamentillo’s commitment to leveraging AI for cultural preservation. NightOwl AI — her flagship platform — offers real-time translation and culturally tailored learning tools, empowering communities in the Philippines, Colombia, Ghana, and Pakistan to access educational and economic opportunities in their native languages.
Lamentillo’s journey began with a personal mission: protect her mother tongue from the threat of digital homogenization. By transforming Karay-a and other endangered languages into AI-driven interfaces, she ensures that linguistic diversity becomes a bridge rather than a barrier to the digital age.
Dr. Julia Stamm, founder of She Shapes AI, emphasized the critical role of diverse voices in shaping responsible AI.
“We are at a critical tipping point. If we want to create a future where AI works for everyone, we need to ensure that it is shaped by many, not a few,” said Stamm. “By celebrating women from across the globe who propel the field forward and highlighting their impactful work, we show what is possible when AI aligns with societal values and responsible principles – and that business success and doing ‘good’ are not mutually exclusive.”
Lamentillo stands alongside five other women leaders whose AI projects advance democracy, peacebuilding, environmental sustainability, media transparency, and ethical policy. As an affiliated event of the Paris 2025 AI Action Summit, She Shapes AI underscores the necessity of inclusive innovations — and Lamentillo’s win serves as a powerful testament to AI’s potential as a force for social good./PN
