At Circle Optics, our company culture is built on three core pillars: Know-How, Innovation, and Synergy. These values not only drive our work in developing cutting-edge imaging technology but also inspire our employees to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
One such example is Dr. Anjali Jogeshwar, a dedicated mentor who is making a tangible impact through her work with the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC). As an AI Industry Challenge Mentor, she is helping high school students explore real-world applications of artificial intelligence and develop solutions to industry-relevant challenges.
Shaping the Future of AI Through Mentorship
Last year, Jogeshwar mentored two student teams working on sustainability-focused projects. This year, she is again guiding two groups—this time in the field of artificial intelligence. When her Lenovo mentor couldn’t attend a key discussion on AI project topics, Jogeshwar joined the conversation, introducing students to AI, its challenges, and how they could develop solutions.
Reflecting on this journey, Jogeshwar shared:
“I truly believe in the power of mentorship. Having personally benefited from the guidance of a mentor who helped me navigate my own career path, I am committed to providing the same level of support and inspiration to young people. It is incredibly rewarding to see students take an idea and transform it into something tangible, building confidence in their own abilities along the way.”
Her ability to break down complex AI topics and make them accessible aligns with ISTC’s mission to connect classrooms with companies, ensuring students gain both technical knowledge and real-world industry perspective.
AI for Inclusion: More Than Just Innovation
Beyond mentorship, Jogeshwar’s passion for AI extends to building a more inclusive world—one where technology serves not just the privileged few, but everyone, especially those historically overlooked. She adamantly believes AI and computer vision can be a force for societal good, particularly in disability inclusion. She challenges the industry to move beyond profit-driven innovation and focus on creating systems that empower individuals, rather than merely accommodate them.
“It’s not just about the devices we create; it’s about who those devices can serve.”
One striking example she highlights is the challenges faced by blind individuals when differentiating shampoo and conditioner bottles—an everyday frustration that often goes unnoticed. Her vision extends beyond simple tactile solutions and leverages AI-driven solutions bridge these gaps, ensuring that technology becomes an enabler of equality, rather than an afterthought in design
Building a Future of AI That Works for Everyone
Jogeshwar’s work at Circle Optics, Motorola, and ISTC reflects a commitment to bridging software and hardware in a way that advances both innovation and inclusion. Whether she’s mentoring students in AI, developing computer vision systems, or advocating for corporate responsibility in innovation, her mission remains clear:
Technology should not just be innovative—it should be inclusive.
Through her mentorship, research, and leadership, Dr. Anjali Jogeshwar is helping shape the future of AI—not just for technological advancement, but for the benefit of all.
