Kathryn Born

Founder, Dusoma: Technology for Extreme Poverty Reduction

Los Alamos, New Mexico, United States

About

Whether its developing strategy for pharmaceutical research or transitioning fully into the humanitarian space - it's all the mixture of Artificial Intelligence and Human Wisdom. What do scientists and case managers for refugees have in common? They are both experts for whom AI can help them innovate. I bring 20+ years of experience in technology, 10+ years healthcare and 6+ years in pharma strategy and transformation—currently at AbbVie—where I work across scientific and technical teams to accelerate innovation in drug development, particularly using AI. I’m also the founder of Dusoma, a humanitarian AI initiative designed to deliver life-saving resources—like shelter, food, healthcare, and education—to refugees in sub-Saharan Africa using smartphone-based tools. We work directly with displaced people, especially LGBTQ+ refugees (as they suffer the most), to co-create technology that responds to real-world needs in real time. As an artist and editor-in-chief of Chicago Art Magazine (now called Starve Magazine), I see creativity, art and filmmaking as essential to systems change. Whether I’m building AI systems for pharmaceutical research or designing digital cash systems for refugee camps, or writing the sequel to Fight Club (Fight Club 2: Marla for AI) I’m driven by a singular belief: the same tools that drive corporate innovation can be harnessed to change the world – to stop violence, hunger and disease. Let’s connect if you’re working at the frontier of AI, art, medicine, humanitarian work or radical change.

Experience

  • Founder, Dusoma: AI for Humanity and Starve Magazine at Dusoma: AI for Humanity
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

  • AbbVie (7 yrs 4 mos)
    • Convergence - Training and Communication Manager (Genomic Research Center)
      May 2024 - Sep 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Convergence is a signature advanced technology initiative that brings people and data together, with the goal of doubling productivity.

    • ARCH Communication and Training Manager
      Nov 2021 - Sep 2024 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      • Design and develop communication strategies for R&D data analytics platform • Create communication and socialization strategies for machine learning use in drug pipeline • Interview subject matter experts and direct video production • Promote internal scientific journal, interactive training and success stories through monthly newsletter distributed globally to >4000 personnel • Facilitate change management and cultural change through strategic communications / collaboration • Build communities for Cloudera Machine Learning developers and data scientists

    • Associate III, Clinical Training
      Feb 2019 - Nov 2021 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      Strategy and Project Management: • Provide strategic oversight for all learning: to lead on the design and delivery of innovative learning solutions across the entire pharmaceutical R&D organization, always ensuring excellence in execution and that organizational learning goals are supported. • Manage complex stakeholder relationships and external providers efficiently and effectively to time and to budget with clear measurable outcomes. • Share agreed outcome metrics for core initiatives, results, best practices and learnings. • Development of strategic learning plans and drive implementation of this plan in line with business priorities • Lead the development of the learning curriculum and programs for designated key areas of focus (knowledge and skills). • Undertake learning needs gap analysis in support of learning plan development. • Utilize new digital solutions and technologies in support of learning content development. • Scheduling and delivery of programs is in accordance with teams and or business priorities.

  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) (3 yrs 1 mo)
    • Online Education Program Manager III – University Curriculum
      Sep 2017 - Mar 2018 · 7 mos

      Worked closely with surgeons to determine the best options for online learning solutions. Defined performance objectives and developed deep-dive online learning experiences, including: interactive e-learning modules, videos, resource materials and live webinars. Created curriculum and project plans, communicating frequently with the physician committee. Facilitated virtual training and trained surgeons on how to effectively use webinar technology when delivering material. Supervised e-learning module development and edited video in Adobe Premiere

    • Online Education Program Developer / Instructional Designer
      Mar 2015 - Sep 2017 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Designed and built continuing medical education e-learning modules on dozens of medical topics using Storyline software. Managed vendor and software of CMS/LMS and created specifications for a new online learning platform.

  • Board Member: Director-at-Large at Pumping Station: One
    Jan 2018 - 2018 · 1 mo

    Volunteer-run hackerspace , the oldest and largest in Chicago. My art practice currently focuses on small robotic mechanisms created with advanced manufacturing tools (CNC milling - additive and subtractive fabrication). Outside of my day job, I'm intrigued with the challenge of transitioning disabled artists make to create objects through computer models and CNC production. I also lead a video game design and VR/AR/MR user group.

  • Editor in Chief at Chicago Art Magazine
    Aug 2009 - Aug 2012 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Migrated from Chicago Tribune blog to founding an online local art magazine that was the most widely read visual art publication for a three-year period. Worked with over 40 freelance writers and managed all technical infrastructure.