Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from the communities that innovation often overlooks. As a professor at Howard University and a founder, I see firsthand how brilliant ideas emerge when people closest to a problem are empowered to design the solution. I’m inspired by entrepreneurs who build with purpose—those who understand that technology is not just about disruption, but about dignity, access, and opportunity for the next generation.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the roles that shape my perspective every day. As an HBCU professor, a mother, and a military wife, I understand resilience, service, and the power of opportunity. I see students, families, and communities working hard for a better future, and that drives my work as a founder. When technology is built with purpose, it can expand access, empower families, and create the kind of impact that reaches far beyond a single product.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to accelerate the growth of Worlds of Hello, an AI-powered platform helping families support children with speech delays while giving clinicians smarter tools to manage care. The funding would expand user testing, strengthen our AI documentation assistant for speech-language pathologists, and allow us to reach more families who cannot easily access speech therapy. The goal is simple: make early speech support accessible, scalable, and human-centered.