# Transforming Jackson: Nashlie Sephus’s Vision for a Tech Hub
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Chapter 1: The Visionary Behind the Project
Nashlie Sephus, a 35-year-old AI researcher and Jackson native, is embarking on an ambitious journey to revitalize her hometown. Her mission is to convert 12 neglected acres in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, into a vibrant tech hub.
Sephus has dedicated the last four years to balancing her responsibilities between Jackson and Atlanta, where she serves as an applied science manager for Amazon's AI division. After Amazon acquired Partpic, the visual recognition technology company where she previously held the role of chief technology officer, she founded the Bean Path in 2018. This nonprofit incubator has supported over 400 local businesses in addressing their technology needs.
Her ambitious plan for the $25 million Jackson Tech District aims to change the perception of a city not typically recognized for its technological advancements. “People often underestimate Jackson,” she observes. “It’s our responsibility to create something meaningful for our community and future generations.”
Despite her impressive credentials, Sephus admits that the thought of launching such a project initially seemed far-fetched. “Even after selling a company to Amazon and collaborating with top-tier professionals, it never crossed my mind that I, as a young Black woman, could purchase property in downtown Jackson,” she reflects.
Section 1.1: The Development Plan
Sephus envisions transforming seven buildings into approximately 500,000 square feet of collaborative workspace. Over the next three to five years, the area will evolve to include a maker's space, an electronics lab, a photography studio, residential units, dining establishments, and a grocery store. Central to this development will be an innovation center designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential tech skills.
“My aim is to create a self-sustaining community where people can live, work, and play,” she states.
Subsection 1.1.1: An Unconventional Journey
Sephus’s pathway to real estate development is unique. She earned her degree in computer engineering from Mississippi State University. An internship at Delphi Technologies in 2008, during which she witnessed multiple layoffs, ignited her desire to forge her own path. This motivation propelled her to later establish the Bean Path after completing her master’s and Ph.D. in computer engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
The concept of a tech hub didn't materialize until 2018, when she sought office space for the Bean Path. Concentrating her search on downtown Jackson was partly a strategy to revitalize the area. Once a bustling center for Black-owned businesses, the neighborhood had seen better days. “There was a noticeable absence of Black ownership in significant land parcels, particularly downtown,” she notes.
The tech hub concept resonated with both investors and city officials, leading to a $500,000 grant from the Kellogg Foundation. Jackson has also provided favorable zoning adjustments and improved surrounding infrastructure.
One investor, Toni Cooley, who benefited from Sephus’s tech guidance, expressed her admiration. “Nashlie’s commitment to her hometown is inspiring,” says Cooley, CEO of Systems Electro Coating, an automotive parts manufacturer based in Jackson. “She’s dedicated to creating value, which is truly impressive.”
Section 1.2: Overcoming Challenges
Sephus initially feared potential backlash from her employer regarding the project. “I was bracing for an email saying, ‘You can’t do this,’” she recalls. However, Amazon has been quite supportive. “Recent events like the George Floyd tragedy and the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted many to reconsider their perspectives,” she adds. Amazon has also extended support through its Future Engineer program, which offers scholarships and training for educators looking to enhance their tech skills.
Raising the necessary capital has posed significant hurdles for Sephus. She faced rejection from three local banks before securing seller financing. She invested $500,000 of her own savings and raised an additional $150,000 through a friends-and-family fundraising round. Future funding will come from private investments, crowdfunding efforts, grants for the nonprofit side, tax credits, and opportunity zone funding. Sephus anticipates that the project will generate revenue through rental income and membership fees.
After a year of fundraising, Sephus finalized the property acquisition in September and plans to break ground in the spring. Discussions are already underway with a popular restaurant chain and grocery store. Ultimately, she envisions the Jackson Tech Hub as a space where entrepreneurs can connect, grow their businesses, and learn to develop technologies that make a positive impact on the world.
Chapter 2: A Bright Future Ahead
The future looks promising for Jackson, and Nashlie Sephus is leading the charge.