Name: Raising AI: Parenting the Future, A Book Talk with De Kai
Start: 2026-05-05T18:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-05-05T20:00:00-07:00
Location: 220 Montgomery St

Raising AI: Parenting the Future, A Book Talk with De Kai

Join pioneering AI scientist De Kai and KALW for a timely, human-centered look at the responsibility we share in guiding AI’s evolution.
About this Event

What if AI isn’t just a tool, but something we’re actively raising together? Join pioneering AI scientist De Kai for a thoughtful, accessible conversation on how today’s systems learn from us, reflect our values, and shape the world we share. A timely, public-minded look at our collective responsibility in guiding AI’s future.

De Kai is the pioneering AI professor who invented and built the web’s first global online language translator that spawned Google Translate, Yahoo Translate, and Microsoft Bing Translator. He holds a joint appointment at HKUST’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and at Berkeley’s International Computer Science Institute, and is Independent Director of AI ethics think tank The Future Society.

Ben Trefny has been part of the KALW family since 2003, where he currently serves as Executive Producer. As Executive News Editor, News Director, and Interim Executive Director, he helped the news department win numerous regional and national awards for long- and short-form journalism. He also helped create numerous training programs — for teenagers, incarcerated people, and early-career journalists — and has taught hundreds of audio producers. His current work focuses on journalism, live events, and partnerships.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI

🚪 Reception doors open at 6:00

🗣️ Program begins at 7:00

🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location; free street parking is available across from the venue at 7:00 pm