Dawn McAra-Hunter is the Programme Manager at the Scottish AI Alliance, delivering Scotland’s national AI strategy & leading on the Alliance’s AI business support activities through the Scottish AI Playbook, as well as the flagship programme to support AI literacy, Living with AI. Dawn is also a PhD candidate at the University of the West of Scotland, where her research focuses on the impact of AI on marginalised communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Dawn’s career path towards tech has been varied & sometimes unpredictable, working as a DJ and nightclub promoter, a copywriter, a lawyer, before moving into digital transformation and programme management.
What was your first career aspiration as a child?
My earliest aspiration when I was younger was to be a dancer. I participated in a variety of different dance classes from the age of about four or five, I even ran my own “dance school” in primary school for the younger children! However, I also wanted to be a barrister from the age of about 7, & flip flopped between the two throughout my childhood. By the time I got to my teens though, I was quite confused about what I wanted to do with my life & coming from a socially deprived background, my support system & role models were limited. I eventually decided at 17 that I was going to sing in a punk band & be a music journalist! I did (eventually) become a lawyer, but I really didn’t see a career in tech on the cards for me at all, despite a lifelong interest in computing & science.
What would you tell your teenage self?
Stop plucking your eyebrows! But seriously, my teen years were quite difficult and tumultuous (something I think many of us can relate to) & I often felt like I had to make big decisions and shoulder heavy burdens alone. I would tell me teenage self that its okay to ask for help, and that there are many people who want to support you. No one expects you to have all of the answers when you’re so young, so just relax a little and take some pressure off yourself.
What attracted you to a career in computing / tech?
I’ve been a massive nerd for tech stuff since early childhood, from my first Commodore 64, Atari & Spectrum consoles, to being one of the founding members of my secondary school’s Computer Programmers’ Club! When I left the legal profession, I knew I wanted to do something that excited me & made an impact. As a huge sci fi geek I have always had a fascination with AI, & many of the challenges and questions around AI intersected with my interest areas in law. The rest, as they say, is history!
Favourite past time?
I’m a big horror buff, both books and films, so you can find me scaring myself silly! I also enjoy writing, knitting (I am currently attempting to knit a cardigan for the winter), and I recently took up playing the drums.
What makes you happy?
A sunny weekend at home with my wife, brunch, & a completely free schedule.