Desmond Patton
Brian & Randi Schwartz University Professor
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Desmond Patton is the Brian and Randi Schwartz University Professor and Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, with joint appointments in the School of Social Policy & Practice, the Annenberg School for Communication, and the Department of Psychiatry in the Perelman School of Medicine. He also serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for the School of Social Policy & Practice, where he drives transformational strategies that bridge innovation, equity, and impact.
As the Founding Faculty Director of SAFElab and the Penn Center for Inclusive Innovation and Technology, Patton has redefined the intersection of social work, data science, and technology. His groundbreaking work empowers organizations to integrate diverse, community-driven insights into AI systems, creating technologies that are not only more accurate but also more empathetic, equitable, and impactful. By partnering with social workers, youth, and local residents, he and his team design AI algorithms that interpret social media in context, reframing innovation to center humanity and foster trust.
Recognized globally as a pioneer in AI ethics, social media research, and community-centered innovation, Patton is the most cited and influential scholar studying how digital spaces shape behavior in the real world. His insights have helped organizations across sectors develop inclusive frameworks that connect with people more meaningfully while addressing systemic inequities.
Through keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and strategic advising, Patton inspires leaders to harness the power of diverse voices and build processes that foster equity and joy. As an advisor to AI companies like Kai.ai, MascotYOU and Humma AI., he challenges the status quo, ensuring technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than perpetuating harm.
Whether consulting with Fortune 500 companies, serving on boards of trustees, or captivating audiences as a keynote speaker, Patton's approach is transformative, actionable, and deeply grounded in compassion and collaboration. His mission is clear: to bridge technology, humanity, and social change, creating a future where innovation uplifts everyone.
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