In a landmark achievement for Filipino innovation, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, founder of NightOwlGPT, was honored with the AI & Learning Award at the inaugural She Shapes AI Global Awards held at University College London held in February.
This prestigious recognition celebrates her pioneering efforts in leveraging artificial intelligence to preserve endangered languages and promote digital inclusion for marginalized communities worldwide.
Empowering communities through technology
Lamentillo’s journey into the realm of AI was driven by a deep commitment to social equity.
NightOwlGPT, her flagship platform, offers real-time translation and culturally tailored learning resources, enabling communities in countries like the Philippines, Colombia, Ghana, and Pakistan to access education and commerce in their native languages.
By focusing on linguistic preservation, she ensures that technological advancement does not come at the expense of cultural heritage .
A vision for ethical and inclusive AI
The She Shapes AI Global Awards, affiliated with the Paris 2025 AI Action Summit, aim to spotlight women leading responsible AI innovations across various sectors.
Dr. Julia Stamm, founder of She Shapes AI, emphasized the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of AI, stating, “We are at a critical tipping point.
NightOwlGPT transforms local dialects into powerful digital tools, ensuring that linguistic heritage serves as a gateway rather than a barrier to the opportunities of the digital age” .
Global recognition and future endeavors
Beyond this accolade, Lamentillo was also named one of the Top 33 global leaders in responsible AI by She Shapes AI, making her the sole Filipino to receive this distinction.
Her work exemplifies how integrating grassroots efforts with advanced technology can lead to meaningful change . As she continues to expand NightOwlGPT’s reach, Lamentillo remains steadfast in her mission to ensure that no language—and no community—is left behind in the AI revolution .
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