The Joy of x Rediet Abebe on Using Algorithms for Social Justice
5 snips
Apr 5, 2021 
Rediet Abebe, a computer scientist and assistant professor at UC Berkeley, blends her love for mathematics with a mission for social justice. She shares her journey from Ethiopia to Harvard and the stark realities of socioeconomic inequalities. The discussion includes using algorithms to tackle issues faced by marginalized communities and the nuances of financial resilience among those living in poverty. Abebe also addresses the importance of aligning math-like optimization with social policies to drive equity and awareness in academia.
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Segregation in Cambridge Shocking
- Rediet noticed segregation and poverty at Harvard unlike in Ethiopia, where everyone is Black and exposed to inequality.
- She was shocked by how invisible poverty and lack of diversity were in Cambridge's wealthy environment.
Arrival at Harvard with $40
- Rediet Abebe started her Harvard journey working in Dorm Crew to earn money.
- She arrived with only $40, hunger, and two giant suitcases full of clothes and coffee.
Income Alone Misses Economic Hardship
- Poverty measures based solely on income miss how shocks affect families differently.
- Resilience to shocks depends on wealth buffers and social safety nets, revealing hidden economic vulnerability.
