Artificial intelligence isn’t just changing the way we work. It’s changing what’s possible.
That theme took center stage on Wednesday, November 5, when the AI Collective Delaware Chapter gathered local innovators, educators, and tech enthusiasts at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce to discuss how AI is reshaping industries, unlocking creativity, and inspiring new ways of thinking.
The evening featured an interactive conversation with three Delaware innovators on how AI is shaping the state’s future.
Reimagining possibility with Michael Warthen
Michael Warthen, Technical Advisor to the CEO at Microsoft, drew a powerful comparison between today’s AI evolution and the shift from Blockbuster to Netflix. Just as streaming transformed entertainment by doing what once seemed impossible, AI has the potential to transform how we approach problem-solving.
“The real value of AI isn’t just in doing things faster. It’s in doing what wasn’t possible before,” Warthen said.
He encouraged attendees to understand different models, explore how they apply to their work, and tap into the power of using AI tools to create meaningful change.
Building responsibly with Patrick Callahan
Patrick Callahan, Founder of CompassRed and longtime Delaware innovator, reflected on his journey from The Archer Group to leading one of Delaware’s top data analytics firms. He described AI as “a movement unlike any we’ve ever seen.”
“It’s fast, it’s powerful, and it demands that we approach it ethically,” Callahan said.
As a member of the Delaware AI Commission, Callahan emphasized the importance of building laws, ethics, and responsibilities around AI and spoke about developing an “AI sandbox” — a space where organizations can test innovations responsibly and collaboratively.
Aligning purpose and value with Jim Coates
Jim Coates, a 2019 Zip Code Wilmington alum and Sales Engineering Lead at Domino Data Lab, encouraged attendees to reflect on their personal value and purpose when integrating AI into their work.
“AI is the tool, not the value,” Coates said. “Know what you bring to the table first, then use AI to amplify it.”
He shared how focusing on value, communication, and problem-solving allows professionals to make AI work for them, not the other way around.
A community of curiosity and collaboration
The event wrapped with open discussion among attendees and speakers, a hallmark of The AI Collective’s mission to make AI education and experimentation accessible to all.
“This is such an exciting time,” Desa Burton, Executive Director of Zip Code Wilmington, said. “AI gives us a chance to collaborate, create, and build better together.”
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our speakers, Michael Warthen, Patrick Callahan, and Jim Coates, for sharing their time and insights, and to everyone who joined us for an evening of curiosity and connection.
Congratulations to Santos, winner of the Zip Code Wilmington colored YETI 34-ounce French Press. We hope you enjoy every cup!
The AI Collective Delaware Chapter continues to grow as a space where thought leaders, professionals, and community members come together to explore AI responsibly and creatively.
Join the Conversation
The next The AI Collective Delaware Chapter Meetup will take place on Wednesday, December 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Stay tuned for the location and details.
In the meantime, sign up to join Delaware’s growing AI community and help shape what comes next.
