“Our goal is to uplift the entire community, particularly those who have been overlooked in the past. We want to prove that STEM can be a catalyst for economic growth and that it (can benefit) everyone in the state.”
A strong foundation in STEM fosters innovation and equips communities to address critical challenges and actively participate in shaping the future through technological and scientific advancements. STEM education is particularly important in Black communities, as it empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to access high-demand, well-paying careers and serves as a pathway to economic mobility, addressing historical disparities in income and opportunity. Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D., a native of Jackson, Mississippi, is working to ensure that the many opportunities and benefits of STEM are made available to all.
A highly accomplished professional in the fields of engineering and technology, Dr. Sephus completed the first leg of her educational journey with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Mississippi State University, in 2007, then continued to Georgia Tech, where she earned her doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Today, she serves as the Principal Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technical Evangelist in Applied Science on the Responsible AI team, where her primary focus is on ensuring fairness and identifying biases in AI technologies. Before taking on this role, Dr. Sephus was chief technology officer of an Atlanta-based visual recognition technology startup company, Partpic, which Amazon acquired in 2016.
Dr. Sephus’ longtime desire to make a positive impact on her own community led her to launch a nonprofit organization, The Bean Path, five years ago, aiming to provide technical expertise and guidance to individuals in underserved neighborhoods, bridge the tech knowledge and access gaps between Blacks and other groups, and foster economic growth in Black communities.
“The name ‘Bean Path’ has its roots in computer programming,” Dr. Sephus explains. “In Java a ‘bean’ is a smaller piece of code that can be extended into other things. We use this concept as a metaphor to help people find their pathway in technology.”
Started as a makeshift help desk center in the public library in downtown Jackson, The Bean Path has flourished, assisting more than 1,500 people annually in gaining access to technology; providing STEM training, summer programs and after-school programs; and helping local businesses integrate technology into their operations. Dr. Sephus views The Bean Path as a pivotal contributor to the cultural development of technology and envisions it expanding beyond Jackson and replicating its success in other regions. Her long-term goal is to have The Bean Path serve 15,000 people each year, producing more Black Engineers and tech professionals to address the growing demand for tech talent.
The Bean Path is also part of her larger plan, already underway, to create a tech district and business incubator — the Jackson Tech District — in the city’s downtown.
“The tech district we envision will include tech labs, retail spaces, commercial office space and event facilities,” Dr. Sephus reports. “It’s crucial for us to address various community (challenges), such as food deserts, housing shortages and (the need for) opportunities for graduate students. Jackson, Mississippi, is home to 14 universities, making it an ideal location to support STEM students and professionals.”
Dr. Sephus took a large step toward realization of her vision in 2020, with the purchase of 12 arces of land with 7 buildings. As of today, it has grown into 21 contiguous acres with 8 buildings adjacent to Jackson State University, to house the tech district. The university is one of her partners on the development project, partners that also include Innovate MS, Jackson Public Schools and MS Coding Academies.
“The historical significance of the buildings we’re revitalizing is important to us,” she adds. “For example, North Gaston Street was historically impacted by redlining established in 1975. We see these buildings as an opportunity to create a tech district that not only addresses community needs but also bridges racial divides. Our goal is to uplift the entire community, particularly those who have been overlooked in the past. We want to prove that STEM can be a catalyst for economic growth and that it benefits everyone in the state. Growing up in this neighborhood, I often heard people say that nothing significant ever comes from here. We want to change that perception and make a meaningful impact on our community.”
Her words echo the mission statement of NSBE, which Dr. Sephus served as a chapter officer during her undergraduate years at Mississippi State.
“NSBE played a significant role in my journey by fostering my confidence and connecting me with like-minded individuals in the engineering field. The organization helped me build a strong network of friends and colleagues,” Dr. Sephus says. “I believe NSBE can play a crucial role in attracting more individuals to The Bean Path by showcasing the opportunities and support we offer to those interested in technology.”
Dr. Nashlie H. Sephus is not only a trailblazer in the tech industry but also a dedicated advocate for increasing diversity and accessibility in STEM. Her work with Amazon and The Bean Path demonstrates her commitment to making a meaningful impact on underserved communities and creating opportunities for future generations of Black Engineers and tech professionals.
To learn more about Beanpath please check out the website below.
Author: Derius Galvez, Editor-in-Chief