AI & Jobs: Understanding AI's Impact on the Workforce

Artificial intelligence is already changing the way businesses operate, employees work, and communities plan for the future. From software development and marketing to operations, entrepreneurship, and local economic development, AI is no longer a distant trend. It is becoming part of everyday work.

The AI Institute at Fort Lewis College, Katz School of Business, and Durango Chamber of Commerce invite employers, employees, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizational decision-makers to join us for an evening exploring what these changes mean for Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners region. This event is especially designed for those who are already experimenting with or actively using AI tools in their work.

The event will offer both a broad look at national and global AI trends and a grounded conversation about how local organizations are beginning to use AI in real-world settings.

Event Highlights

The evening will include expert commentary on national and global trends in artificial intelligence and employment, with attention to how AI is influencing the future of work, what skills may become more important, and how organizations can prepare for rapid technological change.

A panel of regional business leaders will discuss how AI is beginning to shape industries across Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners. Panelists will share practical examples from their own fields, including software engineering, local business, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, and operations.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in audience Q&A and connect with fellow business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizational leaders interested in the future of work.

Why This Conversation Matters

AI is reshaping the workplace in ways that are both immediate and long-term. Some organizations are already using AI tools to automate routine tasks, support decision-making, improve communications, generate ideas, analyze data, and streamline workflows. At the same time, many workers and business owners are still asking important questions about accuracy, ethics, training, privacy, job changes, and how to adopt AI responsibly.

For Southwest Colorado, this conversation is especially important. Rural and regional economies face distinct opportunities and challenges when it comes to emerging technology. Local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations have a chance to shape how AI is used in ways that support resilience, creativity, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

This event is designed to help attendees better understand the current AI landscape, hear from local leaders using AI in their work, and consider how our region can prepare for the future.

Meet the Panelists

Diane Howe is a software engineer with three decades of experience building software for businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises. In the past year, her job has changed dramatically as she began integrating AI tools into nearly every part of the development process—from writing and testing code to analyzing system behavior and exploring new solutions. Today she views AI less as a tool and more as a collaborator that is reshaping how engineers work. Diane brings a practitioner’s perspective on how AI is already transforming technical jobs and what that shift means for the future workforce.

Zachary Ray is the owner and President of Desert Sun Coffee Roasters in Durango, Colorado, a certified organic and fair trade business focused on sustainability and ethical sourcing. A graduate of Fort Lewis College, Zach has worked in international development, including serving as Country Program Manager in Myanmar, where he supported community-led projects in rural villages. He has been with Desert Sun since 2009 and now leads the company’s mission-driven growth. Zach also serves in leadership roles with Cooperative Coffees and the Shanta Foundation, and is dedicated to using business as a force for positive social and environmental impact.

Ashley Christie is the Executive Director of the Local First Foundation, where she focuses on strengthening locally-owned independent businesses and building a resilient local economy. In the past year, her work has evolved through the integration of AI tools, supported by a grant from the AI Institute at Fort Lewis College, to streamline the Be Local Coupon Book process and enhance the organization’s marketing efforts. Previously, she worked in museums, managing and organizing the flow of content and information both internally and externally, bringing a systems-oriented approach to storytelling and operations.

Greg Ewing is a 15-year startup operator and consultant focused on go to market, product creation, and company scalability challenges. Most recently Greg has led Agile Space Industries in Durango in fundraising and corporate strategy initiatives. Greg has worked in a variety of industries, from food and beverage to high tech software, and has perspective on how AI is impacting different categories of operations. Greg started his career in microelectronics firmware and hardware as an Electrical Engineer.

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for employers, employees, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizational decision-makers who are already experimenting with or actively using AI tools in their work.

Attendees may include professionals using AI to improve operations, marketing, communications, product development, customer service, software development, strategy, or internal workflows. The conversation will be especially relevant for those who want to better understand how AI adoption is changing workplace roles, skills, productivity, and organizational decision-making.

Whether you are leading AI adoption within your organization or incorporating AI into your daily work, this event will offer practical insight, regional perspective, and opportunities to connect with others navigating similar changes.

Register Today

RSVP to attend this free event.

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