The first of its kind fellowship creates a leadership pipeline that includes emerging AI talent and executive decision makers
Woc Teams
BALTIMORE – April 4, 2026 – PRLog Waves of change (WOC), an initiative that advances innovation, equity and leadership within STEM fields, announced today the WOC AI Leadership Academy. This is a unique program for leadership and recognition, designed to help accelerate the development of diverse talent in artificial intelligence.
The Academy has introduced a fellowship program that recognizes professionals in every level of their career, from young innovators up to senior executives. This creates a pipeline for AI scaling across all industries.
“The future of AI leadership must reflect the full spectrum of talent shaping innovation in this country,” Tyrone D. Taborn is the CEO of Career Communications Group. “The WOC AI Leadership Academy is not just about recognition. It is about building a leadership continuum that equips professionals to lead transformation, drive impact, and shape the future of technology.”
National Framework for AI Leadership Excellence
The WOC AI Leadership Academy goes beyond the traditional recognition program by integrating real-world organization alignment with leadership development.
There are three leadership tracks in the Fellowship:
- Early Career Leaders
Professionals with high potential who demonstrate technical excellence in AI or related fields and show emerging leadership. - Middle-level Leaders
Technical leads and managers driving teams and projects to achieve measurable outcomes - Senior leaders and executives
AI transformation and its impact on the enterprise are shaped by strategic decision makers
The employer is responsible for selecting all participants, and the process ensures alignment between business goals and employee strategy.
The transition from National Recognition to Industry Credential
The Fellows were officially inducted into the program at two of America’s leading STEM conferences:
- BEYA STEM Conference DTX
- The WOC STEM Conference
After induction, the participants must complete an organized leadership requirement.
Certified AI Leadership Fellow
“We are defining a new national standard for AI leadership,” Taborn is added.
“Organizations need leaders who can translate innovation into impact. This Academy delivers that capability across every level of the workforce.”
What This Means to You Now
The global economy is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, but leadership skills remain one of the biggest gaps.
- By 2030, the global AI market will surpass $1.80 trillion.
- Over 75 percent of companies rank AI among their top strategic priorities
- The lack of leadership capability is a major barrier for successful AI adoption
WOC AI Leadership Academy addresses this issue directly by providing a framework that is scalable, inclusive, credible and based on evidence.
Building Your AI leadership pipeline is a call to action
The AI Leadership Summit invites organizations to submit candidates for all three levels of leadership and participate in the shaping of AI’s future.
Details of nominations and requirements for submission:
https://ccgmag.com/page/awards
“If your organization is serious about building a future-ready workforce, this is the model,” Taborn, said “From emerging talent to executive leadership, this Academy provides a nationally recognized pathway to develop leaders who will define the AI era.”
Waves of Change:
Waves of Change is a platform and national movement dedicated to improving leadership, innovation and opportunities in STEM.
About Career Communications Group
Career Communications Group, Inc.
is an industry-leading workforce development company and media outlet dedicated to connecting diverse talent with opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). CCG’s national conferences, leadership programs and digital platforms have impacted millions professionals, students and organizations around the world.