By Dr. Nashlie Sephus | Jan 2, 2025
In October, to kick off The Bean Path’s six year anniversary, I did a presentation about the state of technology to a group of elected officials, community leaders and tech enthusiasts. It wasn’t a conversation about gadgets and innovations; it is about inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment. As we look ahead, the tech landscape is transforming, and everyone—from educators to policymakers—must prepare to embrace it.
Technology is becoming more inclusive, and barriers to entry are lowering. Tools for developing applications are evolving, requiring less specialized knowledge, making it possible for individuals without traditional tech backgrounds to create impactful solutions. No other industry allows you to train for six months and enter the industry making six figures. Moreover, as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes common, every person, regardless of their profession, will have to learn how to leverage AI tools effectively. In industries like healthcare and transportation, AI promises transformative advancements. Those are the two most primitive areas that we haven’t seen much development. Anyone who can enter into those fields early will have a great advantage.
Businesses must scale with technology to drive revenue and stay competitive. This means investing in infrastructure like data centers and cloud computing, which are set to grow exponentially. Testing and monitoring AI models will also create entirely new industries, offering significant job opportunities. At Amazon, we hire companies to test our technologies. That’s a benefit to us because we shouldn’t be the ones testing our technology. You need someone who can see and test the limitations of the product. Skills such as AI auditing and responsible use of these tools will be essential. Responsible use and regulation of AI will be mandated. Policymakers must collaborate with tech leaders to mandate ethical practices, ensuring AI serves humanity without compromising trust and safety.
However, for this future to be truly equitable, we must invest in underserved communities. Founders from these areas often lack the resources needed to bring innovative ideas to life. Supporting organizations like The Bean Path is critical in bridging this gap. As a tech-focused nonprofit based in Central Mississippi, The Bean Path plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with the tools and resources needed to thrive in this digital era. From mentorship to workshops, The Bean Path equips aspiring tech innovators with essential skills, opening doors for them to participate in and shape the future of technology.
I urge our community to rally behind The Bean Path. Your support—whether financial or through volunteering—helps ensure that the opportunities of tomorrow are accessible to everyone today. Together, we can prepare Mississippi to not just adapt to technological change, but to lead in creating solutions that benefit everyone. To give, visit getbean.info/donate.
Let’s invest in a future that is inclusive, innovative, and empowering for all. Support The Bean Path and be part of the movement to make technology a force for good in our community.
*AI was used to write parts of this editorial.
About Dr. Nashlie Sephus
Dr. Nashlie H. Sephus is the Principal Applied Scientist For Amazon Artificial Intelligence (AI) focusing on fairness and identifying biases in these technologies. She formerly led the Amazon Visual Search team in Atlanta, which launched visual search for replacement parts on the Amazon Shopping app in June 2018. This technology was a result of former startup Partpic (Atlanta) being acquired by Amazon, for which she was the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Additionally, Dr. Sephus is the developer of The Bean Path Tech District and founder of The Bean Path, a non-profit organization based in Jackson, MS dedicated to creating equity in STEAM opportunities by increasing access to tools, knowledge & networks to underserved communities, particularly in Mississippi.
