For Sorenson Senior Director of AI Mariam Rahmani, the future of AI isn’t about building the flashiest models—it’s about creating solutions that close communication gaps and empower people, especially the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. With a third of Sorenson’s workforce personally connected to this community, empathy isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into the company’s DNA.
From advancing real-time captioning to automating sign language translation, Sorenson’s mission is clear: use AI to make communication more accessible, inclusive, and human-centered. Every project begins not with the technology, but with listening—understanding the lived experiences and struggles of the people they serve.
Listening First, Building with Impact: Rahmani emphasizes that AI projects at Sorenson only move forward if they have a direct, positive impact on accessibility and autonomy. That means prioritizing solutions that improve daily communication, not just experimental technology.
Overcoming Challenges in Accessibility AI: Building AI for accessibility requires more than algorithms. It demands high-quality, representative datasets that reflect the diversity of Deaf signers and communication contexts. It also requires designing for both cloud and edge deployment to reach users in rural areas where internet access is limited.
The Human Responsibility of AI: Rahmani stresses that accessibility isn’t a side feature—it’s a responsibility. Solutions must be co-created with the community, not just tested after development. That means constant iteration, feedback, and the courage to release imperfect models to learn and improve.
Her journey—from academia to Intel, to building ventures like OmniBridge AI, and now leading AI at Sorenson—has reinforced one core truth: AI isn’t just about technology. It’s about people. It’s about designing systems where humans remain at the center, co-creating a more inclusive future.
For decision makers, the message is clear: the most meaningful AI innovations are those that quietly empower people, respect their dignity, and solve problems that matter in daily life. Sorenson—and partners like Intel—are proving that building AI with empathy is not only possible, but essential.
The episode is available on all major podcast platforms or watch the full video on the Intel on AI YouTube channel.
