Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept — it’s here, and it’s already transforming how we work. According to the International Monetary Fund, AI will impact nearly 40% of jobs globally in the coming years. However, as the digital landscape shifts, not everyone is equally prepared for the future.

A growing disparity is emerging in AI literacy. Research shows that women are adopting AI tools 25% less than men, and Latinas — one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. workforce — face unique challenges in keeping pace with the AI revolution.

A new report from Latinas in Tech, a community of over 44,000 professionals, underscores this gap. While 92% of Latinas in tech understand that AI skills are crucial for staying competitive, only 53% feel confident using AI tools. More than half say they haven’t received any AI training at work, and among those who did, nearly one-third found the training too generic to be useful.

These numbers reveal a critical opportunity. Latinas represent a powerful engine of economic growth. From 2020 to 2030, Hispanic workers are projected to account for 78% of net new labor force growth in the U.S., and Latinas already have a 69% labor force participation rate.

If this momentum is matched with targeted upskilling, it can unlock extraordinary value for employers, industries, and the broader economy.

The challenge isn’t a lack of interest or ambition. It’s about access and investment. As AI becomes a baseline skill across industries, those who aren’t equipped to use these tools will face increasing hurdles in roles that demand data literacy and automation agility. Without focused investment in readiness, companies risk missing out on a high-performing and highly motivated talent pool.

This is not just a workforce development issue; it’s a business imperative. Companies that invest in AI fluency across diverse segments of their workforce will gain a competitive edge in innovation, resilience, and market relevance.

So, how do we turn insight into action?

One answer lies in empowering communities to drive change from within. That’s the spirit behind the Latinas in Tech Summit, taking place May 28–30 in San Francisco. Now in its ninth year, the summit is the largest gathering of Latina tech professionals and allies, bringing together more than 1,500 attendees for three days of panels, workshops, and networking.

This event is a launchpad for innovation. It’s where professionals and companies converge to close the AI skills gap, build future-ready workplace cultures, and create real pathways to leadership. Attendees gain not only technical knowledge but also the confidence and connections to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

It’s also a call to forward-thinking employers, educators, and decision-makers: If we want to future-proof our organizations, we must invest in developing talent that reflects where the world is going, not where it’s been.

AI is transforming the workplace. Let’s make sure Latinas are not only keeping pace but leading the way. Bridging the AI literacy gap isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do for innovation, equity, and economic growth.