In Conversation
Rehma Razzak for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Rehma Yash Razzak: Speaker: Rehma Razzak, Technology Data Analytics, Measurement IncorporatedWhat does being an Influential Woman mean to you?Rehma Razzak: So being an influential woman to me, it doesn't mean commanding a room or being the loudest voice in it. I've never really been that person. I've always been more of a behind the scenes kind of woman, someone who just quietly shows up, helps where I can, and supports people as they grow. And honestly I think that's just as valid. Some of the most meaningful work happens behind the scenes. We meet people every day without thinking much of it, but sometimes those small moments end up shaping someone's path in ways we don't expect. I think about my first game jam in undergrad. Mentoring a team of young women who were just learning the basics of game design or in my master's program guiding a group of young men through mobile app development where they had no idea where to start and graduating together, they surprised me with the gift card to say thank you. And then there was the student I mentored in data science in Python who later asked if they could use my name in their dissertation. Those moments weren't loud. They weren't public, but they mattered. So to me, being an influential woman means recognizing that influence isn't always about visibility. Sometimes it's about the quiet impact you leave on people, the kind that they carry with them long after the moment has passed, and that kind of influence, that's a powerful, that's powerful in its own way.What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?Rehma Razzak: If I could give one piece of advice to younger women chasing their dreams, it would be this Don't feel like you have to cling to the same dream forever. We grow, we change, and the things that we want at like 18 or 25 don't always fit who we become later, and that's OK. Everyone's path is different. Different struggles, different opportunities, different timelines. So it's hard to give a one size fits all advice. But I can say this. Allow yourself the freedom to evolve. Sometimes the dream you started with won't translate to the person you are now or the person that you're becoming. And that doesn't mean you failed. It means you're growing. And along the way, don't underestimate the small moments, the quiet ones, the behind the scenes moments where you help someone or just show up for them. Those moments matter more than you realize. I've had people come back years later and they've told me I've made a difference in their journey. So, my advice is, let your dreams change if they need to, and don't overlook the quiet impact you made along the way. Sometimes the most meaningful influence happens when you're not even trying to be influential.
Her Story
About Rehma
Rehma is a machine learning researcher and data analytics professional whose work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare, and human-centered technology. With a background in computer science and advanced research experience, she specializes in machine learning robustness, multimodal AI, adversarial evaluation, and trustworthy healthcare technologies. Since entering the technology field in 2018, Rehma has developed a reputation for building reproducible data pipelines, designing innovative machine learning solutions, and transforming complex biometric and behavioral data into actionable insights that support research and clinical decision-making.
Throughout her career, Rehma has contributed to cutting-edge research in digital health, virtual reality, human-computer interaction, and clinical AI applications. As a Graduate Research Assistant at Kennesaw State University, she led and supported projects involving stress detection, attention assessment, Alzheimer's disease research, autism spectrum disorder studies, Parkinson’s disease screening, and AI-driven mental health applications. Her work has resulted in numerous publications, research presentations, and recognition within the academic community, including membership in the scientific honor society Sigma Xi. Known for her analytical rigor and interdisciplinary approach, she collaborates with researchers, clinicians, and engineers to create technologies that are both innovative and reliable in real-world environments.
Beyond her technical accomplishments, Rehma is passionate about using technology to improve accessibility and quality of life for diverse populations, particularly within healthcare and neurodivergent communities. Her perspective is shaped by a lifelong curiosity about how systems work and a commitment to ensuring that emerging technologies are developed responsibly and ethically. Outside of research, she enjoys exploring fantasy worlds, superhero films, story-driven video games, and creative narratives that inspire imagination and innovation. Through her work, advocacy, and research, Rehma continues to advance the development of trustworthy AI while helping shape a future where technology serves people more effectively and inclusively.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rehma
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to seven years of dedication to the fields of machine learning, data analytics, and trustworthy AI, combined with a strong sense of curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning. My work in machine learning robustness, multimodal AI, adversarial evaluation, and healthcare-focused technologies has taught me the value of persistence, adaptability, and always seeking better solutions to complex problems. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy photography, drawing, and immersing myself in fantasy worlds, superhero films, and story-driven games, including Marvel, *The Lord of the Rings*, Pixar classics, and narrative RPGs, all of which inspire my creativity and imagination.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I believe the best career advice I ever received was that people come for the information, not the performance, so clarity and curiosity matter more than perfection.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I feel like the advice is tricky because I don't think I can give meaningful advice to somebody without knowing their story. If I had to give advice, I would say you should know yourself better than anyone else, even the people closest to you. So don't let anyone convince you otherwise, and don't be afraid to make waves. Sometimes we all want a stable field, stable career, but if you want change in your work environment or career, you're gonna have to disturb the calm water a little bit. It's gonna get messy, but usually it's worth it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge in AI is balancing capability with human trust. As models grow more powerful, so does public concern, and that concern is justified. AI can analyze patterns at scale, but it cannot replicate human creativity, intuition, or lived experience. In healthcare especially, AI must remain an assistive technology, not a replacement for human judgment. The real opportunity is in designing systems that enhance human decision‑making, preserve agency, and center ethical, interpretable, and human‑aligned innovation.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Happiness and curiosity in work matter a lot. People can be so much more when they genuinely enjoy what they're doing. Stability matters too, but that stability can turn into numbness if you just aren't being curious. People don't really talk enough about their joy and curiosity in work, let alone their passion, but those things still matter. They keep you from becoming complacent and help keep you growing. Gotta at least try to have a sense of curiosity and joy in your work no matter what.
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