Beyond the Buzzwords: Practical AI for Federal Leaders with Empower AI’s Jennifer Sample

In this episode of The Peel, David Blackburn sits down with Jennifer Sample, Chief Technology Officer at Empower AI, to explore how this forward-leaning IT services company is helping federal agencies navigate, and operationalize the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Jennifer shares why she joined Empower AI, describing it as a rare blend of innovation and rigor, where deep tech meets mission-critical government work. From overcoming data silos and aligning internal stakeholders to choosing the right use cases and balancing tools with services, Jennifer offers practical advice for agencies looking to harness AI for meaningful outcomes. She emphasizes the need for human-centered design, strong data governance, and achievable quick wins to drive adoption. With a unique perspective rooted in both R&D and operational deployment, Jennifer paints a picture of Empower AI as not just embracing the AI future—but actively shaping it. To connect with Jennifer, visit her LinkedIn page here. To learn more about Empower AI, visit their website here. If you liked listening to this episode, click here to view more in this series. To view all of our podcast series, visit our podcast page.