In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for South Asia Tanya Dawar speak with Allison Cohen (Chief of Staff, Liquid AI) and Kimberley Nault (PhD Candidate, University of Ottawa) about their experiences in the Kakehashi Project and their work in AI.
Allison reflects on her 2018 trip to Japan, where a rural homestay offered powerful lessons in culture and shared humanity. Kimberley recalls her 2020 journey, which began with an unexpected meeting with Princess Takamado at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and the lasting impact of living with a Japanese family.
They also share their career paths and perspectives on AI—from Allison’s transition from global affairs to socially beneficial projects at Mila and now innovative work at Liquid AI, including the launch of the Apollo AI application, to Kimberley’s research on human–AI collaboration and education. Together, they explore AI’s potential to expand access to essential services, the importance of AI literacy, Canada’s role in promoting ethical development, and practical advice for young people eager to engage with AI responsibly.
