Building Your AI Fluency—Without a Computer Science Degree

PART 4: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES

You don’t need to code to lead in an AI-powered workplace. But you do need fluency—the ability to understand what AI can do, where it fits, and how to use it to elevate your role.

In Athena’s “AI & the Future of Work” session, panelists emphasized that the future of leadership includes both technical literacy and human insight.

“AI is going to change what work looks like—but it doesn’t replace judgment, empathy, or creativity,” one speaker said.

How to Build AI Fluency:

• Take a short course (MIT, Coursera, even YouTube)

• Ask questions in meetings about how tools are being used

• Volunteer for cross-functional projects involving AI

What to Watch:

• Generative AI for content creation and decision support

• AI-driven dashboards for business intelligence

• Personal productivity tools (e.g., Notion AI, Grammarly, ChatGPT)

Confidence Tip:

Don’t wait to be invited. Start experimenting. Start learning. Your leadership is needed now—not when you feel “ready.”

Final Thought:

AI is here to stay. Let’s ensure it works for everyone—not just the few who built it. As Athena continues to center women’s leadership in innovation, your curiosity and courage are your biggest assets.