June 3rd marks a milestone moment for artificial intelligence in America – and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.
This Tuesday, the Washington AI Network will host our first-ever AI Honors, a black-tie gala celebrating the remarkable individuals and organizations driving AI innovation, policy, and research forward. Taking place in the elegant ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, this inaugural event represents more than just a celebration – it’s a recognition of the pivotal moment we’re experiencing in AI development and American leadership in this transformative field.
Honoring Excellence Across the AI Ecosystem
We’re proud to recognize six outstanding honorees who exemplify leadership at the intersection of technology, governance, and ethics:
Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) will receive our AI Impact in Governance Award for his work as co-chair of the Senate AI working group, demonstrating how thoughtful policy leadership can shape technology’s future.
Congressmen Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) will be honored with our Bipartisan Leadership on AI Award. As co-chairs of the House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, they’ve shown that interest in getting things right transcends party lines and requires collaborative solutions.
Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth, director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, receives the Guardian of America Award for his crucial work protecting our nation’s interests in the age of AI.
Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, earns our AI Visionary Award for his groundbreaking work in quantum-AI technologies and enterprise solutions.
Dr. Patricia K. Falcone, deputy director for science and technology at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, receives the AI Honors in Public Science Award for her contributions to advancing AI research in service of the public good.
Father Paolo Benanti, the Vatican’s official adviser on AI ethics, will be honored with our Ethics in Artificial Intelligence Award, recognizing the critical importance of ethical framework and thinking as AI reshapes our world.
A Community United by the AI Moment
The AI Honors wouldn’t be possible without our incredible sponsors, including Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft, IBM, AMD, TikTok, Salesforce, ScaleAI, Bloomberg, LinkedIn, Booking Holdings, Uber, General Catalyst Institute, RhinoAI, NobleReach Foundation, Flex Association, Silverado Accelerator, GlobalWIN, and many others who understand that collaboration drives progress. Their support reflects the broad coalition necessary to navigate AI’s challenges and opportunities responsibly.
As our founder Tammy Haddad noted, “This is a pivotal moment for AI and for American competitiveness. The AI Honors are designed to recognize the people and ideas driving meaningful progress—and to connect leaders from across the ecosystem in a setting worthy of the moment.”
LISTEN BELOW: New Washington AI Network Podcast Features SCSP CEO Ylli Bajraktari on the Global AI Race, National Security, and the 2025 AI Expo in Washington, DC
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