Patty O’Brien Novak
Patty O’Brien Novak is an AI Operations Enablement Consultant specializing in building practical AI systems that improve organizational efficiency and reduce manual workload. With a background in mechanical engineering and early exposure to AI concepts in academic coursework, she has transitioned into designing AI accelerators, automation workflows, and agent-based systems that significantly reduce process time and improve scalability. Her work focuses on helping organizations—particularly women-led businesses—adopt AI in a practical, structured, and human-centered way.
She has developed AI solutions that transform multi-hour workflows into minutes, emphasizing execution reliability, adoption frameworks, and operational consistency. Patty also holds leadership roles within the Women Defining AI community, where she contributes to education, mentorship, and AI literacy initiatives. Her approach blends technical engineering principles with real-world operational design, ensuring AI systems are both functional and sustainable.
Beyond her technical work, Patty is actively engaged in AI education and community development. She mentors robotics students, contributes to AI learning programs, and advocates for responsible AI adoption that balances innovation with human oversight. Her work reflects a strong commitment to making AI accessible, practical, and impactful for everyday business use.
• Building Your Own Custom GPT
• Advanced GenAI Use Cases
• Multiple additional AI-related certifications
• University of Cincinnati – Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Influential Women 2026
• Women Defining AI
• AI Build Lab
• Influential Women Network
• Church Volunteer Activities
• High School Robotics Team Mentor (FIRST Robotics)
• Educational Advisor, School Author Presenter, and Conference Speaker
• Creator and presenter of “Engineering the ABCs” educational initiative and book
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mechanical engineering foundation, continuous hands-on learning, and my commitment to applying AI in practical, real-world ways. I also value being part of collaborative communities that allow me to learn, build, and grow alongside others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My guiding principle has been to focus on learning by doing. Rather than over-theorizing, I’ve learned that building real solutions, testing them in practice, and iterating based on outcomes is the most effective way to grow and create impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to focus on practical experience—build things, experiment, and engage in AI communities. It’s important to understand not just how to use AI, but how to maintain and manage AI systems responsibly. AI should be seen as a tool to reduce cognitive load and enhance productivity, while still maintaining human oversight and responsibility.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is the rapid pace of AI advancement and helping individuals and organizations adapt effectively. There is also a need to support workforce transitions as AI changes job structures. At the same time, there are opportunities to create new roles, improve efficiency, and design AI systems that augment rather than replace human work. Environmental impact and computational costs are also important considerations for the future of AI.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value human-centered design, continuous learning, and practical problem-solving. I also care deeply about responsible AI use, environmental awareness, and ensuring that technology is used to meaningfully improve people’s work and lives while keeping humans at the center of decision-making.
Locations
Women Defining AI
Livonia, MI 48154