We recently connected with Anastasia Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Anastasia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for WENITE Inc. was born out of a deeply personal experience. As a first-generation student, I moved from California to Washington, D.C., with high hopes for my education at Howard University. However, my first day on campus was a rude awakening – I faced a lack of resources, no class schedule, and nowhere to stay. I felt lost and unsupported in what was supposed to be a transformative journey.

This challenging experience sparked a realization: many students at HBCUs and other institutions struggle with outdated systems, lack of support, and inefficient processes. I saw a glaring need for a solution that could address these issues head-on, ensuring that no student would have to endure what I did.

Driven by this mission, I envisioned creating a system that could streamline administrative processes, enhance data security, and provide personalized support for students. The logic was simple – by leveraging AI and blockchain technologies, we could revolutionize the way educational institutions operate, making them more efficient and responsive to student needs.

What excited me most about this idea was its potential to create a lasting impact. We weren’t just solving a problem; we were addressing multiple pain points with a unique approach that combined cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of the educational landscape. This wasn’t just a tech solution; it was a mission to empower students and educators, ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Knowing that we could make a difference, not just at Howard but across all HBCUs, reinforced the worthiness of this endeavor. The overwhelming positive feedback and interest from administrators, students, and partners confirmed that we were on the right path. Our unique approach, focusing on culturally informed AI and secure data management, set us apart from others in the field, making WENITE a worthwhile and exciting venture.

Anastasia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About Me: Hello, I’m Anastasia Jackson, the CEO and founder of WENITE Inc. My journey into the tech and education industry is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. As a first-generation student, I moved from California to Washington, D.C., to attend Howard University. The challenges I faced there – lack of resources, no class schedule, and nowhere to stay – ignited a passion within me to create solutions that could transform the educational experience for students, particularly at HBCUs.

How I Got Started: My first day at Howard University was a mix of excitement and confusion. I expected a smooth onboarding process but instead faced numerous obstacles. This experience made me realize the systemic issues in educational institutions, particularly those serving underserved communities. Determined to make a difference, I ventured into the tech industry, focusing on developing solutions that address these challenges head-on.

Our Products and Services:

At WENITE Inc., we specialize in creating innovative and secure digital solutions tailored for educational institutions. Our flagship products include:

SAGE: An AI-driven ERP system designed to streamline various aspects of the HBCU experience, from academic information to financial resources.

LINQ: An AI-powered class scheduling feature that creates personalized, conflict-free schedules while ensuring robust data security through blockchain technology.

EVANS: An event management system that simplifies the organization and execution of events on campus.

Problems We Solve: We tackle several critical issues faced by students and administrators at HBCUs:

Administrative Inefficiencies: Our solutions streamline administrative processes, reducing manual workload and improving accuracy.

Data Security: By leveraging blockchain technology, we ensure the secure handling of sensitive student data.Student Support: Our AI-driven systems provide personalized academic guidance and support, helping students stay on track for graduation.

Engagement and Community Building: We enhance student engagement and foster a sense of community through efficient communication and support services.

What Sets Us Apart: What truly sets WENITE Inc. apart is our commitment to cultural intelligence. We start by training our AI models on culturally informed data, ensuring that our solutions are not only technologically advanced but also culturally relevant and sensitive. Our unique approach combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of the educational landscape, making our solutions both innovative and impactful.

What I’m Most Proud Of: I am incredibly proud of the impact our solutions have had on the HBCU community. Seeing students like Jamal, who balance academics, athletics, and work, benefit from our solutions is deeply fulfilling. Our ability to restore trust, streamline processes, and create supportive educational environments is a testament to our mission and vision.

Key Takeaways for Potential Clients/Followers:

Innovative Solutions: We provide state-of-the-art technology tailored to meet the unique needs of educational institutions.

Cultural Relevance: Our solutions are culturally informed, ensuring they resonate with and support the communities we serve.

Commitment to Excellence: We are dedicated to enhancing the educational experience, empowering students, and supporting administrators.

Community Building: We believe in the power of collaboration and community, fostering environments where students and staff can thrive.

How’d you meet your business partner?

The story of meeting my co-founder, Jenaba Sow, is one that truly highlights the importance of collaboration and shared vision. While I was a sports medicine major at Howard University, I quickly realized the need to build a team to bring my ideas to life. Determined to find the right people, I began holding interviews in what we affectionately call “The Stacks,” located at the back of Founder’s Library.

During one of these sessions, a team member referred his friend to interview with me. That friend was Jenaba Sow. From the moment we started our conversation, I knew there was something unique about her perspective. Her questions were insightful and geared towards the business side of things, which was exactly what WENITE needed at that stage. Jenaba’s keen understanding of business dynamics and her ability to push the project from mere ideation to tangible reality were invaluable.

For three years, Jenaba and I worked closely together, turning a vision into something concrete. Her contributions were instrumental in shaping WENITE’s direction and growth. Recognizing her dedication and the synergy we had developed, I formally asked her to be my co-founder. It was a decision rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to our mission.

Jenaba’s passion for leveraging technology to enhance education, combined with my business acumen, has been the driving force behind WENITE’s success. Together, we have built a company that sets a new standard for educational technology solutions. Our journey from The Stacks at Howard University to co-founding WENITE is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of finding the right partners who share your vision.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the market was a multifaceted effort that combined taking up space, thought leadership, strategic foresight, collaboration within our ecosystem, and providing high-level value.

Here’s how these elements contributed:

Taking Up Space:
From the very beginning, I made it a point to be present and active in all relevant spaces, be it conferences, workshops, or online platforms. This visibility was crucial in establishing WENITE as a significant player in the educational technology sector.

Being a Thought Leader:
By sharing insights, research, and forward-thinking ideas, I positioned myself as a thought leader. This involved writing articles, speaking at events, and participating in panel discussions. My focus was on the transformative potential of AI and blockchain in education, and how these technologies could specifically benefit HBCUs.

Cultivating Strategic Foresight:
I consistently looked ahead, anticipating industry trends and potential challenges. This strategic foresight allowed WENITE to stay ahead of the curve, adapting our solutions to meet emerging needs and ensuring we were always one step ahead in providing innovative educational technology.

Collaboration Within Our Ecosystem:
Collaboration was at the heart of our success. By working closely with educational institutions, industry experts, and technology partners, we created a robust ecosystem that supported our mission. These partnerships were vital in enhancing our offerings and ensuring they were relevant and impactful.

Providing High-Level Value:
Ultimately, the value we provided set us apart. Our solutions addressed critical pain points in education, from administrative inefficiencies to data security concerns. By delivering high-quality, impactful solutions, we built a reputation for reliability and excellence.

In essence, my reputation was built on a foundation of visibility, thought leadership, strategic insight, collaboration, and value. Each of these elements played a critical role in establishing WENITE as a leader in educational technology, particularly within the HBCU community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.weniteinc.com
• Instagram: @weniteinc
• Linkedin: @weniteinc

Image Credits

WENITE Inc