Episode 2

full
Published on:

20th Feb 2025

Dionna Rogers on AI in Education and the Leadership We Need to Make it Happen

In this episode, Michelle sits down with educator and AI champion Dionna Rogers to explore the evolving role of AI in the classroom. Dionna shares her journey from youth development to becoming an AI advocate in education, emphasizing how AI tools can empower both students and teachers. They dive into the challenges educators face, the importance of AI literacy, and how to ensure equitable access to technology.

Tune in to hear insights on AI-driven lesson planning, mentorship, and the balance between human connection and technology in the education space.

Timestamped Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction

Michelle welcomes listeners to Empowered by AI: The SLAI Effect and introduces Dionna Rogers, an educator and AI champion.

[00:01:00] – Dionna’s Path to AI in Education

Dionna shares her background in youth development, her unexpected journey into teaching, and how she became an AI leader at Dream Academy.

[00:03:30] – AI in the Classroom: A Shift in Perspective

Initially skeptical, Dionna describes how AI has changed her teaching approach—helping her create learning materials, streamline assessments, and provide deeper support for students.

[00:06:45] – The Role of AI in Teacher Development

How AI-powered tools are enhancing mentorship, lesson planning, and classroom collaboration.

[00:09:30] – Custom GPTs and AI Tools for Educators

Dionna discusses the practical use of AI to differentiate instruction and support a wide range of learning needs.

[00:12:15] – Challenges of AI Adoption in Education

Concerns about students using AI unethically, and the importance of teaching them responsible AI use instead of banning it outright.

[00:14:45] – The Shift from Fear to Curiosity in AI Adoption

Why educators need to guide students in understanding how AI can be used effectively for learning and critical thinking.

[00:17:00] – How Can AI Bridge Gaps in Education?

Michelle and Dionna discuss how AI can help address educational inequities, particularly for underserved communities.

[00:20:30] – An Idea for an AI Workshop in the Classroom

Dionna brainstorms a hands-on AI literacy activity to teach students how to use AI for feedback and self-improvement.

[00:23:00] – Overcoming Resistance: Encouraging Educators to Try AI

Advice for hesitant teachers—starting with small, manageable AI tasks to enhance their workflow.

[00:26:15] – Equity and Access: How to Ensure AI Reaches Every Student

The need for schools to provide AI education for all students, particularly in communities with fewer technological resources.

[00:30:00] – Looking to the Future: The Role of AI in Education

Dionna reflects on the future of AI-driven learning and how policies and training must evolve.

[00:35:00] – The Importance of Diverse Voices in AI

Why AI conversations need to include more diverse perspectives and how Dionna wants to contribute to that movement.

[00:38:30] – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Dionna encourages educators to embrace AI and use it to enhance—not replace—the human connection in education.

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Empowered by AI

About the Podcast

Empowered by AI
Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Way
Welcome to Empowered by AI, where women entrepreneurs harness the power of AI to transform their businesses, break new ground, and lead confidently. Hosted by Michelle Muncy-Silva, founder of Innovation AI Studios, this podcast is your go-to resource for stories, strategies, and tools that help women combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to build the brands of tomorrow.
In each episode, we sit down with trailblazing women who are not just embracing AI—they’re unapologetically ensuring a place at the table in leveraging AI to redefine their industries, spark innovation, and elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, Empowered by AI delivers real talk and actionable insights from women who have been where you are, tackled the challenges, and demanded that AI be a tool for women’s progress.
This isn’t just a tech podcast—it’s a platform for women looking for like-minded collaboration and support to build standout brands, gain clarity on how AI serves their strategy, and discover the tools to take their businesses to the next level. We dive deep into topics like AI-enhanced storytelling, using AI to streamline and scale, and the future of creativity in a world where technology is rewriting the rules.
Join us for:
Conversations with women leaders at the forefront of AI and entrepreneurship.
Practical advice on how to integrate AI into your business, even if you’re not a tech expert.
The latest AI tools and resources you can use to build a brand that stands out.
Empowering stories from women who are balancing the demands of running a business with navigating the world of AI.
Each episode is packed with actionable takeaways that you can put into practice right away, whether you’re automating your workflows, enhancing your visual branding, or discovering the next big AI tool that will give your business a competitive edge.
We’ll talk about:
How AI and creativity collide to drive innovation.
The real-life stories of women paving the way in AI, who prove that you don’t need a tech background to master the future.
How AI can help you build a strong, memorable brand.
The AI tools every entrepreneur should have in their toolkit.
The power of mentorship, community, and women supporting women in the AI space.
Our goal? To empower you with the knowledge and tools to embrace AI confidently—no tech degree required—and inspire you with the voices of women who are actively participating in shaping the future of AI - all so we can collaboratively create AI-driven solutions that empower you to transform your business into something that not only thrives but leads the way in your industry.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to use AI to amplify your creativity, streamline your processes, and build a brand that’s not just innovative, but unstoppable.
And every episode ends with the same question to our amazing guests: What’s next?
Empowered by AI is more than just a podcast—it’s your community, your resource, and your weekly dose of inspiration to become a leader in the future of entrepreneurship.
Hit subscribe, and let’s transform your business together!

About your host

Profile picture for Michelle Muncy-Silva

Michelle Muncy-Silva