Discover the Future of AI

In a world where technology is transforming how we work, hire, and grow talent, two Chicago-based executives saw an opportunity to start a new kind of conversation.

As leaders in the talent acquisition space, we’ve both witnessed firsthand how artificial intelligence is reshaping recruiting, workforce development, and the very definition of career growth. Yet, while innovation accelerates, one challenge remains: how do we equip today’s workforce with the right skills and programs to thrive in an AI-enabled future?

That question sparked AI Builds America — a podcast dedicated to exploring the crossroads of artificial intelligence, talent development, and the future of work.

Each episode, we sit down with professionals from across industries, from education leaders and corporate innovators to policymakers and AI practitioners, to uncover what’s working, what’s next, and what it really takes to build America’s AI talent pipeline.

We believe the story of America’s AI future isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. Together, we’re discovering how organizations can blend human potential with machine intelligence to create a more adaptive, skilled, and inclusive workforce.

Candace Washburn is a talent acquisition strategist and podcast host focused on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of hiring at scale.

With a background partnering with enterprise leaders at large, complex organizations, Candace brings a pragmatic lens to AI adoption in talent acquisition, bridging strategy, operations, and workforce planning. Her work centers on helping TA leaders move beyond experimentation to build sustainable, data-driven programs that improve hiring outcomes and business performance.

As host of AI Builds America, Candace sits down with TA executives, operators, and innovators to cut through the hype and explore how AI is actually being implemented inside modern talent organizations. The conversations are grounded in real-world execution: what’s working, what’s failing, and what leaders need to be thinking about next as AI becomes foundational to how companies compete.

Candace is known for translating emerging technology into clear, actionable insights for senior TA and HR leaders responsible for building the workforce behind their business strategy.

Melissa Salazar is a people-infrastructure leader who learned scale at Netflix.

At Netflix, Melissa focused on the how of global execution. She architected workforce governance and educational frameworks that enabled Business Partners to navigate risk across 40+ countries. As co-lead of the Global Accessibility ERG, she helped drive adoption of standardized practices that translated inclusive intent into operating reality for more than 11,000 employees.

Today, Melissa architects movement inside complex organizations. Working across HR, Legal, Talent, and Inclusion, she builds the governance, decision paths, and education systems that allow high-stakes initiatives to move from vision to action—and scale with clarity.

A 2024 Game Changer Award winner from Staffing Industry Analysts and a proud neurodivergent leader, Melissa brings a systems-first lens to the mechanics of business. She doesn’t just launch programs; she builds durable infrastructure that allows initiatives to outlast their founders and become part of the organization’s DNA.