I built a company around AI. The industry needs more guardrails.

AI should not simply happen to people.

The recent calls from artificial intelligence leaders to slow the development of frontier systems have created a window. We should use it. Safety measures need time to catch up, and people outside the technology industry need a meaningful role in deciding what comes next.

As founder of Minnesota Mama Innovations, the Minnesota company behind EVRKind Family Care OS, which rebranded this week to LightWell Care, my work focuses on using AI to help family caregivers through complicated moments. I was also recently recognized through the 2026 AI-Powered Women Conference's 100 changemakers initiative. That recognition carries a responsibility to speak honestly about both the promise and the risks of this technology.