WHY WE GATHER
At Accessible AI for All (AAFA), we began with a simple, essential truth: If we want AI to reflect the best of humanity, then humanity must be fully reflected in its builders. Too many brilliant founders have been left outside the AI circle, taking with them the vital context, culture, and empathy that AI systems desperately need.
AAAFA was created to change this. We are a village where wisdom is shared around the fire, and where every underrepresented innovator is immediately welcomed. Our mission is to open doors and guide diverse founders into the future of AI through shared learning, mentorship, and community ensuring their irreplaceable wisdom shapes a technology that is not just smart, but truly wise.
OUR VALUES
Where every voice finds its place by the firepit.
Belonging
Everyone has a place at the firepit.
Collaboration
We rise higher when we build together.
Authenticity
Real stories, real people, real impact.
OUR MISSION
Accessible AI for All is reshaping who gets to build the future of AI.
We believe AI should reflect all of humanity not just a select few. That’s why we’re making AI education, tools, and opportunities accessible to underrepresented founders.
We create supportive communities and practical learning experiences that help diverse voices build meaningful, community-informed AI products.
Our vision is simple:
To unlock 1,000 billion-dollar dreams and ensure the next generation of AI is not only smart, but truly inclusive of global perspectives.
OUR IMPACT SO FAR
1,000+
FOUNDERS REACHED
10+
COUNTRIES REACHED
15+
EVENTS HOSTED
MEET THE TEAM
Founder
PAYAL ROHIRA
Payal Rohira is a seasoned leader with over 15 years in data science and AI, playing a role in a $1.2 billion exit to Oracle and leading a team at Slalom that generated over $1 million in revenue. She has a strong track record with Fortune 100 clients, scaling products for industry giants like Amazon and Facebook. Currently, she is the founder of a startup focused on empowering underrepresented tech founders by enhancing strategies with AI, developing AI-driven MVPs, and providing tailored mentorship. Payal’s mission is to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in thriving within the competitive tech landscape.
Advisor
ESOSA IGHODARO
Esosa Ighodaro-Johnson co-founded Black Women Talk Tech in 2017, the largest network of Black women tech founders, supporting over 50,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. As a leader in BWTT, she drives strategy and marketing and launched AcceleratorCON in 2023, the top U.S. accelerator event. With 20+ years of entrepreneurial and corporate experience, she has been featured by Entrepreneur Magazine and Paste Magazine. Esosa is passionate about advancing diversity and innovation in tech and is dedicated to breaking barriers for emerging entrepreneurs.
Community Manager
BELINDA KOECH
Belinda Koech is a product leader with over 4 years of experience in Product Design, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Digital Marketing, Content Strategy and Community Management. She has led teams in developing & Managing digital and AI-powered platforms, turning complex ideas into intuitive, human-centered solutions. Belinda is passionate about making technology equitable, easy to use, and impactful, with a strong focus on inclusivity, and is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs thrive in today’s competitive tech landscape through the power of AI.
Pull up a seat by the firepit.
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