AI Firm's Exec Joins AnitaB.org to Tackle Tech's Diversity Crisis

RALEIGH, NC – February 09, 2026 – In a move that underscores the growing urgency to build a more inclusive and ethical technology landscape, Digital.ai has announced that its General Counsel and Head of Talent, Patricia Prince-Taggart, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at AnitaB.org. The appointment places a key executive from an AI-focused enterprise directly into the leadership of one of the world's most prominent non-profits dedicated to advancing women and non-binary people in tech.

This collaboration comes at a critical juncture for the industry. As artificial intelligence continues its rapid integration into every facet of society, the teams building these powerful systems remain starkly homogenous. This lack of diversity poses a significant risk, with experts consistently warning that it can lead to biased algorithms and products that perpetuate real-world inequalities. Prince-Taggart's new role signals a proactive effort to bridge this gap, connecting corporate leadership with grassroots and global initiatives aimed at reshaping the future of technology.

A Strategic Alliance for an Equitable AI Future

The appointment is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a strategic alliance aimed at addressing the systemic underrepresentation in the tech sector, particularly within the specialized field of AI. Research consistently shows that women and non-binary individuals are significantly underrepresented in AI development and leadership roles. This disparity is not merely a numbers game—it has profound implications for the fairness, safety, and efficacy of AI systems that influence everything from hiring and credit decisions to medical diagnoses.

AnitaB.org has been at the forefront of this battle for decades, working to achieve a future where the creators of technology mirror the society it serves. The organization's President & CEO, Brenda Darden Wilkerson, lauded the new appointment, highlighting the value of Prince-Taggart's extensive background. “Patricia brings deep leadership experience and a genuine passion for empowering the next generation in technology,” said Wilkerson. “Her contributions will strengthen our programs and help us expand opportunities for technologists across the industry.”

By placing its Head of Talent on the board, Digital.ai, an AI-powered software delivery platform, is directly investing in the talent pipeline it will need for responsible innovation. The move suggests a recognition that building ethical AI requires more than just code; it requires a diversity of thought, experience, and perspective at every level of an organization.

Beyond Buzzwords: Corporate Values in Action

Digital.ai has framed the appointment as a direct reflection of its corporate values: “uniting with empathy to support others, taking action with accountability to create opportunities, and applying creativity with purpose to drive innovation and lasting impact.” In an era where corporate social responsibility can often feel performative, this move demonstrates a tangible commitment. By dedicating a senior executive's time and expertise, the company is embedding its values into the fabric of an organization actively working for change.

Prince-Taggart’s dual role as General Counsel and Head of Talent gives her a unique vantage point. She oversees not only the company's legal and ethical frameworks but also the strategy for attracting, developing, and retaining its workforce. This experience is directly applicable to her new responsibilities at AnitaB.org, which will include supporting recruiting and fundraising efforts.

In her own statement, Prince-Taggart emphasized collaboration and collective action. “I’m honored to be appointed to the Board of Directors at AnitaB.org. I look forward to contributing alongside an inspiring group of leaders and advocates,” she said. “I encourage others to explore ways to support AnitaB.org — whether through partnership, sponsorship, or engagement.” Her call to action underscores the belief that industry-wide change requires a coalition of committed individuals and organizations.

Forging Pathways for the Next Generation

Prince-Taggart's board duties will directly support some of the tech industry's most impactful programs for career advancement. A key part of her role will be participating in AnitaB.org’s NEXT Leadership Program, an executive accelerator designed to help mid-career women and non-binary technologists break through barriers and advance into senior leadership positions. This program is a direct countermeasure to the well-documented “leaky pipeline” in tech, where women often leave the industry before reaching the C-suite.

Furthermore, her engagement will extend to mentorship programs and the renowned Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC). Billed as the world's largest gathering of women technologists, GHC is a vital hub for training, career advancement, and networking, drawing tens of thousands of attendees annually. Prince-Taggart's involvement, which includes participation in the 2026 celebration, provides a powerful link between established leaders and the emerging generation of innovators, creating pathways for mentorship and sponsorship that are crucial for career progression.

These initiatives provide concrete support structures that go beyond simple encouragement. They offer targeted skill-building, executive coaching, and access to a powerful community of peers and role models, all designed to equip participants with the tools needed to thrive and lead in a competitive industry.

Addressing Tech's Persistent 'Leaky Pipeline'

The challenge that organizations like AnitaB.org and leaders like Prince-Taggart are confronting is immense. Statistics paint a stark picture: a staggering 50% of women who enter the technology field leave their careers by the age of 35, often citing job dissatisfaction and a lack of opportunities for advancement. Women remain severely underrepresented in leadership, holding only a fraction of executive roles, a disparity that is even more pronounced for women of color.

This attrition isn't due to a lack of ambition but is often fueled by systemic biases, a scarcity of visible role models, and work environments where women are more likely to have their judgment questioned. The involvement of seasoned executives like Prince-Taggart, who brings over 25 years of legal and corporate experience from companies like CA Technologies and various tech startups, provides the very role models and advocates that are desperately needed.

By dedicating her expertise to fostering the next generation, she joins a movement aimed at plugging the leaks in the tech talent pipeline. This work is essential not only for achieving equity but also for ensuring the technology industry has the diverse talent it needs to innovate responsibly. Partnerships between AI-driven companies and diversity-focused non-profits represent a critical strategy in building a tech ecosystem that is as inclusive as it is innovative.