Latimer.ai founder John Pasmore highlights diversity in AI at Chicago tech event

Latimer.ai, a company building inclusive large language models, joined the Black Women on Boards annual event to discuss how AI can better represent underrepresented communities.

John Pasmore, Founder and CEO of Latimer.ai, shared insights on AI and representation during the Black Women on Boards annual event held at Salesforce Tower in Chicago.

The update was shared in a LinkedIn post by Pasmore, who described the occasion as a key moment for advancing conversations on diversity and inclusion in technology.

Latimer.ai develops a large language model (LLM) trained on data reflecting the history and culture of Black and Brown communities. The company’s aim is to create “empathetic and inclusive thinking machines” that provide culturally fluent responses across both consumer and enterprise applications.

Pasmore wrote, “Latimer is a business on a mission. We recognized early on that Black and Brown people were underrepresented in AI data. Latimer began the journey to change that narrative in 2024.”

Discussions on AI, leadership, and inclusion

At the event, Pasmore joined a panel moderated by Cynthia Burks, where he and Colin Kaepernick discussed “the challenges and opportunities with AI.” Kaepernick also launched a new AI platform named Lumi. Pasmore acknowledged organizer Jared Morris for facilitating the session.

Other speakers included Robin Washington, Salesforce President and co-founder of Black Women on Boards, who led a conversation with Kenneth I. Chenault, former American Express CEO and now Chairman and Managing Director of General Catalyst.

Broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien also spoke with co-founder Merline Saintil about media, while Saintil later shared the stage with Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, Interim President of Spelman College.

Pasmore described Black Women on Boards as “a powerhouse network of women moving the needle across corporate America,” adding that the group “drives real change.”

Latimer’s approach to responsible AI

Latimer’s model is trained on sources ranging from oral histories and local archives to community-driven publications, with the goal of countering bias and expanding the cultural understanding of AI systems.

The company says its technology is used across education and business sectors to generate content that better reflects diverse experiences and language patterns. Pasmore has previously said the company’s goal is to “shift from one-size-fits-all to one-for-all,” building tools that resonate with broader audiences.

He acknowledged his team for supporting the company’s mission, writing, “Thanks as always to the Latimer team: Elton Sampaio, Malur Narayan, Ayanna Howard, Shanti T., Erskine ‘Chuck’ Faush, Munson S.”

Pasmore concluded, “Latimer is for everyone.”