The Institute Hosts “Leading What’s Next” Workshop with PICA Head Start

Minnesota Responsible AI Institute Hosts “Leading What’s Next” Workshop with PICA Head Start, Engaging 96 Minnesotans in Responsible AI - August 19, 2025

The Minnesota Responsible AI Institute (MNRAI) hosted three transformative “Leading What’s Next” workshops in collaboration with PICA Head Start, welcoming 96 Minnesotans into an immersive afternoon of Responsible AI. The event marked a key activation in MNRAI’s statewide commitment to reach 3 million working adults with curiosity-driven AI education.

Participants engaged in three 50-minute guided sessions using MNRAI’s “Leading What’s Next” framework, an approach to invite all Minnesotans to become visible stakeholders in shaping how AI touches organizations, classrooms, communities, and futures.

“Partnering with MNRAI for the ‘Leading What’s Next’ workshop was a declaration of our commitment to an innovative future. At PICA Head Start, we’re proud to help families engage with Responsible AI through imagination, confidence, and care.”

— Rico Alexander, Executive Director, PICA Head Start

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and automation, engaging with AI is essential.

“Our role was to facilitate a Responsible AI journey rooted in curiosity and collective readiness,” said Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams, MNRAI’s Chief Engagement Officer. “This experience marks a pivotal shift in workforce development, embedding Responsible AI principles into practice and modeling scalable engagement that supports long-term transformation.”

PICA Head Start, operated by Parents In Community Action, Inc., is a longstanding nonprofit serving over 2,500 children and families across Hennepin County through early childhood education, health services, workforce development, and parent training programs.

MNRAI will continue to serve as a partner helping Minnesota advance its AI workforce readiness agenda. We are ready to contribute strategic insight and implementation support across sectors.