Why we started the Waterloo AI Association
Waterloo AI Association (WAIA) is a student-led community focused on AI safety, governance, and responsible AI. We connect students, researchers, and professionals in the Waterloo region who are interested in understanding the societal impacts of advanced AI systems and contributing to their safe and beneficial development.
WAIA was founded by Waterloo-region students engaged in the global AI safety and governance community who recognized a need for local connection and learning opportunities.
Our Mission
To build a welcoming, cross-disciplinary community in the Waterloo region focused on AI safety and governance education. We believe that as AI becomes more powerful, it is crucial that a diverse range of voices are part of the conversation about how it should be developed and governed.
Through events, discussions, and community building, we aim to make AI safety and governance topics accessible to everyone, not just those with technical backgrounds.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
AI Safety & Responsible Development
We put safety and ethics at the center of every conversation about artificial intelligence.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Everyone is welcome regardless of technical background. We make complex AI topics approachable.
Curiosity & Learning
We foster an environment where asking questions and exploring ideas is encouraged.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
AI safety and governance needs diverse perspectives from arts, sciences, business, and beyond.
What We Do
WAIA creates opportunities for people in the Waterloo region to engage with AI safety and governance through learning, discussion, and community.
- Reading groups on AI safety and AI governance topics
- Talks and discussions with researchers and practitioners
- Conversations on AI policy, ethics, and societal impacts
- Exploration of career pathways in AI safety and responsible AI
- Community meetups and collaborative events in Waterloo
What Makes WAIA Different
Regional Community Focus
We are not limited to one school. WAIA serves the entire Waterloo region, bringing together students and community members from Laurier, UW, Conestoga, and beyond.
Safety & Governance First
While many AI groups focus on building and hype, we center our conversations on the safety, ethical, and governance dimensions of AI that will shape the future.
Beginner-Friendly
No technical background required. We believe everyone should have a voice in shaping AI governance, and we make complex topics accessible and engaging.
Founded by Students, Built for Everyone
WAIA was started by Kylie Cruz and King Dixon, two Laurier students who saw a gap in the Waterloo region for a community focused on AI safety and governance. What started as a conversation between friends has grown into an organization dedicated to making these important topics accessible to everyone.
Meet the TeamGet Involved
WAIA is building a local community around AI safety and governance.
- Introductory sessions on AI safety
- Reading and discussion groups
- Guest speakers from the AI safety community
- Community meetups in the Waterloo region
