AI Project Manager (Data Science, BSc)

Dhari Gandhi, Vector Institute

By: Ama Ansah, Outreach & Support Peer

“Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t burn yourself out. Find something you’re truly passionate about, start small, and build toward a bigger vision.” This philosophy has guided Dhari Gandhi throughout her academic and professional journey, shaping a career defined by exploration, adaptability, and purpose - rather than a single linear path.

Dhari grew up in a household where technology was part of everyday life. Born into a family of engineers, conversations at home often revolved around coding, system design, and how technology works. Her father, who was largely self-taught, had a deep passion for coding and technology, and his curiosity and persistence left a lasting impression on her. In high school, Dhari found herself enjoying coding and building applications. Around the same time, she was exposed to a startup culture through early work experiences, where she assisted with automation projects and helped manage social media and marketing efforts. This introduced her to marketing and showed her how technical knowledge could be combined with creativity and communication, reinforcing her growing interest in technology-driven, people-focused roles.

When applying to Laurier, Dhari explored several academic paths including computer science, data science, business, and combined programs. Guided by her father’s advice, she chose data science because data is fundamental to every area of technology, from software development to artificial intelligence. Through her degree, Dhari developed a strong understanding of how data is collected, cleaned, organized, and used to build pipelines that support modern systems. This foundation helped her see technology beyond code and understand its broader impact.

During her undergraduate years, Dhari began to realize that while she valued her technical background, she was not drawn to highly technical roles long term. She found herself less engaged with intensive math and coding and more interested in how technology interacts with people, organizations, and business needs. This understanding was further shaped by her involvement with PRISM at Laurier, where she worked first as a Salesforce instructor and later as Vice President of Training Services. Through these roles, Dhari interacted closely with students and peers, strengthening her communication skills and learning how to identify needs, align expectations, and deliver value beyond technical execution. Her time at PRISM also allowed her to build a strong professional network, learning the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and visibility early in her career.

Although Dhari knew she wanted to work in artificial intelligence, she was clear that she did not want to pursue the most technical path within the field. Instead, she was drawn to the organizational, policy, and management aspects of AI, particularly how AI can be responsibly implemented within organizations to create real value. To support this goal, she pursued a Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence at the Schulich School of Business. Rather than focusing solely on what AI is, the program emphasized how AI is applied in industry and how organizations can adopt it effectively. She also earned her Project Management Professional certification, which she strongly recommends for aspiring project managers, noting that many of the tools and frameworks from the certification are used daily in her role. While she emphasizes that a master’s degree is not always necessary, she believes it can be valuable for those who want deeper exposure to industry-focused AI implementation.

Dhari currently works as an Applied AI Project Manager at the Vector Institute, a leading not-for-profit AI research and innovation hub that empowers researchers, businesses and governments to develop and adopt AI responsibly. Her journey to Vector was not immediate. After being rejected the first time she applied as an intern, she applied again and was accepted. She credits this to improved confidence in interviews and her ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear and accessible language for nontechnical stakeholders, a key skill in AI project management.

At Vector, Dhari works in industry innovation on the design and delivery team, leading stakeholder-facing projects across sectors such as financial services, consulting, and consumer goods. Vector is supported through a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and private industry sponsors. In return, the institute provides access to cutting-edge research, specialized training, and a top-tier AI talent pipeline, helping to drive economic growth and implement practical AI solutions across various sectors through its applied projects and educational seminars. These initiatives are designed to increase AI adoption, application, and scale AI responsibly.

Dhari manages multiple projects simultaneously, typically between two and four at a time. Her day-to-day work includes tracking milestones, aligning cross-functional teams, stakeholder facilitation, and ensuring projects remain on schedule and within scope. She collaborates closely with internal departments such as researchers, engineers, partnerships and ecosystems, finance, HR, as well as external stakeholders. In her work, she leverages tools such as Excel and Click Up and project management frameworks to maintain operational clarity. She emphasizes that being an effective AI Project Manager requires adaptability and the ability to adjust communication styles depending on the audience, particularly when translating technical AI concepts into meaningful outcomes for stakeholders. Working within a research-driven environment has provided Dhari with exposure to cutting-edge AI developments and opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists and industry partners.

One of the biggest challenges Dhari encountered early in her role was people management. Coming from a technical background, she initially tended to be very hands-on, which made delegation difficult. Over time, she learned that effective project management is about guiding teams toward outcomes, empowering others, and guiding projects through disciplined processes, allowing her to trust the process rather than trying to do everything herself.

To stay current in the rapidly evolving AI space, Dhari regularly reads emerging research through platforms such as arxiv, Google Scholar, Open Review, and engages with thought leaders, leveraging Vector’s close connection to ongoing research and industry developments.

Reflecting on her journey, Dhari encourages students and early-career professionals to be patient with themselves and intentional in their career decisions. She advises them to understand the industry they want to work in and actively participate in networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, especially in client-facing roles such as project management, and to take full advantage of university resources and communities. Above all, Dhari's professional journey is a reminder that careers are built over time through curiosity, exploration, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth.