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The story of Navi AI began with a simple belief: technology should make career navigation easier, not harder. Here's how we're changing the game for job seekers, educators, and employers across Florida.
Meet the Founders
The passionate leadership team behind Navi AI's mission to transform career navigation
Sharod Farmer
Co-Founder & CEO
"Having worked across restaurants, film production, technology, and live entertainment, I've seen how the right connections transform careers. Navi AI makes those connections accessible to everyone."
• Recruiter & Account Manager at Crew One Productions
• 8+ years of startup and management experience
• Cross-industry expertise
Yu Song
Co-Founder & CTO
"Technology should amplify human potential, not replace it. Our AI understands context, recognizes potential, and opens doors that traditional systems keep closed."
• Technical leadership and product development
• AI and machine learning expertise
• Passionate about ethical AI implementation
Valerie Staggs
Co-Founder & CMO
"Great marketing isn't about selling a product—it's about connecting people with solutions that genuinely improve their lives. Every campaign we create helps someone find their path forward."
• Strategic marketing and brand development
• Community engagement and partnerships
• Passionate about authentic storytelling
Strategic Advisor
Guiding our strategic vision and growth
Our Founding Principles
Technology that enhances human decision-making, never replaces it
Powerful tools shouldn't be limited to those who can afford them
Success is measured by the lives we help transform
Our Mission & Vision
What drives us every day and where we're heading
Our Mission
To democratize career navigation by making AI-powered guidance accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, location, or economic situation.
Break down barriers between talent and opportunity
Provide personalized guidance at scale
Empower communities through better career outcomes
Our Vision
A world where every person has clear direction toward meaningful work that matches their unique talents, interests, and life goals.
No one feels lost in their career journey
Students graduate with clear career pathways
Employers find the perfect cultural and skill fit
Our Impact Goals
Measurable outcomes that keep us accountable to our mission
Our Journey So Far
From BookMark'd to Navi AI - the key moments that shaped our journey to transform career navigation
The Pivot
Originally BookMark'd, we joined the FAU Tech Runway program and pivoted to become Navi AI, focusing on AI-powered career navigation.
First Beta Launch
Released our beta platform to 10 users interested in nursing careers, validating our AI matching technology and gathering crucial user feedback.
Brand Redefinition
Redefined what Navi stood for, clarifying our mission to democratize career navigation through AI-powered guidance and direct employer connections.
Trades & Entry-Level Focus
Shifted strategic focus to trades and entry-level roles, recognizing the massive opportunity to connect skilled workers with growing industries.
First Live Entertainment Placement
Achieved our first successful job placement in live entertainment, proving our model works across diverse industries and career paths.
Network Expansion
Partnered with 5 schools and built a network of 10 companies, establishing the foundation for scalable career placement across Florida.
Our Core Values
Principles that guide every decision we make
People First
Every feature starts with empathy for students, job seekers, and hiring teams.
Trust & Privacy
We are FERPA compliant, encrypt data end-to-end, and never sell user information.
Relentless Improvement
Rapid experimentation and user feedback fuel weekly product releases.
Inclusive Access
Powerful AI guidance should be free or affordable for every learner and employer.
The Road Ahead
Our north-star milestones for the next three years
Beyond Florida
Expand throughout the Southeast with new employer partnerships and school networks.
Skills-Based Credentials
Introduce verified micro-credentials tied directly to employer demand.
National Footprint
Operate nationwide, supporting 1 million career assessments annually.