We were lucky to catch up with Liberty White recently and have shared our conversation below.
Liberty, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I train marketers and businesses on how to use technology, like AI, to strategize, plan, and create content to reach their goals.
One key moment that shaped my journey into tech happened thanks to a conversation at church decades ago. A university student noticed my siblings and me and told my dad, a Jamaican immigrant, that it was crucial to have a computer at home. He explained how computers were changing the world. My dad listened, and getting that computer changed the trajectory of my life.
I’m a woman in tech today because of that student’s advice. It’s a story that highlights how a simple act of sharing knowledge can alter someone’s future. As someone who is often one of a few, if not the only woman or Black woman in the room, on the stage, or in these spaces, it’s important to show people who look like me or have similar stories– what’s possible.
AI, like the computer that entered my home, isn’t just a passing trend. It’s here to stay. Yes, understanding AI comes with its challenges and uncertainties, but starting early and embracing the learning curve can lead to significant benefits. You don’t need to master it immediately, but getting to know how AI works, its potential issues, and how it can serve your needs opens up opportunities for:
👉🏽 Advancing your career
👉🏽 Saving time and costs
👉🏽 Developing your business and improving customer service
My journey has also been one of resilience, having to constantly learn, adapt, and reinvent myself. From web development to digital marketing to content creation, I’ve navigated through the evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship. Now, I focus on leveraging these tools while ensuring we maintain our humanity through it all. This is the heart of CHOZEN MEDIA and how She Learns AI was born. My work isn’t just about technology or innovation; it’s about awareness, fostering the economic development of individuals, and promoting the social good of communities. She Learns AI embodies this mission, aiming to demystify AI and make it accessible, ensuring people can use these advancements to enhance their lives and the well-being of others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As the founder of CHOZEN MEDIA, we’re at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and community empowerment helping our clients reach their audience through strategy and content creation. My journey into this industry was anything but traditional. Originally setting out to pursue a career in social work or teaching, life’s unexpected twists propelled me towards entrepreneurship, a realm where I’ve been able to merge my passion for uplifting the community with innovative digital solutions.
CAREER
My path veered towards digital media during my time at university, where I was actively involved in the black student association and event production. These experiences honed my natural inclinations towards community engagement and storytelling. However, it was the advent of the worldwide web that truly catalyzed my professional direction. Recognizing the potential of web development, I took a college course that opened doors to a new world of possibilities. This pivotal decision laid the groundwork for CHOZEN MEDIA, marking the beginning of an exhilarating journey in digital media and technology.
What CHOZEN MEDIA Offers
At CHOZEN MEDIA, we specialize in video production, marketing, and training, particularly focusing on integrating AI/automation workflows into existing systems for startups and marketing teams. When people need to live stream their event or capture their stories on video, we’re a chosen (pun intended) partner to help bring their vision to life and document their key moments. Our goal is to bridge the skills gap, enabling our clients to save time, save money, and effectively reach their audience. What sets us apart is our ability to foresee trends and understand how emerging technologies will impact business and everyday life. This foresight is our superpower, making us a valuable partner to clients seeking to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Pride and Accomplishments
What fills me with pride is not just the milestones CHOZEN MEDIA has achieved but the impact we’ve made on individuals and communities. In 2008, amidst economic uncertainty, we launched the CHOZEN AWARDS, a community program celebrating everyday heroes in Atlanta. This event symbolized hope and unity, highlighting our commitment to fostering community through innovation. Our video series, Only In The A, spotling the people, places, and stories of people in Atlanta, debuted on the MARTA buses during the historic election. This was our way of using tech to celebrate the community. Similarly, the establishment of ATL Webb Fest, the first web series festival in the Southeast, and the recent launch of She Learns AI, reflect our dedication to pioneering spaces where technology and community intersect.
Our Core Philosophy
CHOZEN MEDIA is more than just a marketing agency; we are a catalyst for change, driven by a fusion of people, innovation, community, and technology. My journey is a testament to the power of pivoting with purpose, leveraging technology to tell stories that matter, and empowering communities through digital education and inclusion. This is why we’ve had the honor of working on projects for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, ESPN’s Celebration Bowl, UNCF, and training with organizations like the SBA and more.
Looking Ahead
As I continue to evolve, our mission remains steadfast: to empower businesses and individuals with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a digital-first world. Whether it’s through groundbreaking events, educational initiatives, or cutting-edge content creation, CHOZEN MEDIA stands at the forefront of innovation, ready to shape the future of content creation and technology.
Have you ever had to pivot?
During the economic crash of 2008/2009, I was working really hard on starting CHOZEN MEDIA. We had just kicked off with, Only In The A, a show on the screens of MARTA buses, which felt like a big win. But then, the economy went downhill fast, and the company that aired our show went bankrupt. This was a huge blow. I didn’t give up. This is where your resilience as an entrepreneur comes in. I tried to acquire their assets, thinking maybe I could buy the network. Talk about crash course in raising capital. Then the inevitable happen, my husband at the time told me I needed to get a job, so I did. While waiting for the decision on whether we won the bid, God reminded me, ‘You know how to create content online right? Do it online.’ I had skills in making content online from my previous job as a web director. So, that’s the direction I took CHOZEN MEDIA. We shifted to making our content online, which was pretty new territory back in 2009.
This shift wasn’t just about changing the business direction; it was a big lesson in not giving up. It reminds me of a quote from a Grey’s Anatomy episode that I love. After an impossible operation, the patient, named Isaac said, “There is always a way. When things look like there’s no way, there is a way. To do the impossible, to survive the unsurvivable… There’s always a way.” This line means a lot to me. It’s a reminder that even when things look really bad, if you keep pushing and thinking creatively, you can find a way through. My journey with CHOZEN MEDIA from nearly losing everything to finding a new path shows online that it’s possible to carve your own path.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve learned that as an entrepreneur, especially when you’re always trying to stay ahead with new trends and technologies, you can’t always wait for others’ approval to move forward. In the beginning, I thought I needed everyone to agree with my ideas before I could proceed. But over time, I realized that needing validation from everyone was holding me back. Sure, it’s important to know your audience and customers love what you’re offering, but there’s a fine line. Sometimes, you’re ahead of the curve with an idea, and you have to decide whether to start building it right away, so you’re ready when everyone else catches up, or just sit on it.
The tough lesson was understanding that if I constantly waited for the nod of approval on every new idea, I’d miss out on great opportunities. I’ve been working with AI tools and systems for nearly a year and a half now. I could have waited to launch She Learns AI in a few months or years to get all of the pieces in place to help 1,000 women to upskill with AI, or do it scrappy like we are now. Sometimes, being a visionary means you see the potential before it becomes obvious to everyone else. It’s about trusting your gut and knowing when to push forward, even if not everyone gets it yet. This shift in mindset was crucial for me. It meant moving away from seeking constant validation to trusting my instincts and my understanding of the market. It’s a challenging but necessary change for any entrepreneur who wants to lead rather than follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: SheLearnsAI.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamliberty
- Facebook: facebook.com/shelearnsai
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlibertywhite
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/i_am_liberty
Image Credits
Blue Jumpsuit (microphone and panel): Ashton Thomas Laptop and profile photo on the steps in blazer – Kat Goduco