I’m Bringing AI to the Barbershop—And Changing How We Think About Access
We’re turning barbershops into learning spaces—bringing AI, digital skills, and creative tech directly to the people. And this is just the beginning.
For over a decade, I’ve made it my mission to expand access—to opportunity, to knowledge, and to networks—for young people from underestimated communities.
After working across Wall Street and major financial firms in technology roles, I took what I learned and turned it into a movement. Through Bevon's Mentee Network and my other student-focused initiatives in NYC, Chicago and other cities, I’ve helped thousands of Black and Brown students gain exposure to industries they’ve historically been excluded from, and I’ve watched many go on to thrive in finance, tech, and entrepreneurship.
Today, that work continues with a bold, new initiative designed to meet people where they are and make the future feel possible.
Why Barbershops?
Access doesn’t just mean opening a door—it means showing up in the spaces where people already feel seen, respected, and connected. That’s why this summer, I’m launching the Chicago Vibe Coding Club through Bevon's Mentee Network : a pop-up AI and digital skills series hosted inside barbershops across the city.
Barbershops have always been more than a place for a fresh cut—they’re trusted community hubs where real conversations happen. By bringing tech education into these spaces, we’re making learning accessible, relevant, and culturally grounded.
What to Expect
This summer, we aim to engage 30 youth and adults across three Chicago neighborhoods. Each participant will join a series of three hands-on sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours, designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop practical digital skills.
Participants will learn how to:
- Use AI tools to solve problems and generate ideas
- Build websites, portfolios, and digital tools using beginner-friendly, no-code platforms
- Explore creative tech basics: visuals, branding, and automation
- Turn new skills into income streams and real-world opportunities
No tech experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Why Three Neighborhoods?
This isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic pilot. By activating three barbershops in three different neighborhoods, we’re reflecting the cultural and economic diversity of Chicago. Each community has its own rhythm and needs. By engaging them directly, we’ll learn how this model adapts, scales, and creates ripple effects beyond just the tech.
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The Vibe Showcase
At the end of the program, all participants will come together for a citywide Vibe Showcase—a celebration where they’ll demo what they’ve built, share their journeys, and connect with mentors, sponsors, and community leaders. We’ll be documenting every step, building a playbook for future expansion and inviting others to join us in this movement.
Why Now?
Because AI isn’t waiting. And neither can we.
The communities I serve are filled with talent, ambition, and ideas. What’s missing is exposure, investment, and belief. We’re changing that—not through more panels or PDFs, but by building something real, right in the heart of the community.
How You Can Get Involved
We’re looking for partners who want to be part of this journey from day one—helping us build, learn, and grow together.
I’m calling on:
- Tech companies and AI innovators: Bring your tools, expertise, and passion for access
- Brands: Show up with purpose—help sponsor sessions, meals, or participant swag
- Foundations and funders: Support community-led innovation and help us scale
- Storytellers and creatives: Help us amplify these stories and inspire others
If you believe in building equity into the future—not as a concept, but as a commitment—I want to hear from you.
Imagine a high school student walking into their neighborhood barbershop and, by the end of the summer, building their first website or using AI to solve a real-world problem. That’s the future we’re building—together.
Join Us
Let’s take tech to the block—and show the world what access really looks like.
Contact: 📧 bevon@campuscoininvest.com 🌍 bevonsmenteenetwork.org
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