Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D., is a principal in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning at Amazon Web Services (AWS).

In 2024, she received an award for her achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) during a Career Communications Group event.

Sephus is also an alumna of the National GEM Consortium, which aims to increase participation in engineering and science at the master's and doctoral levels.

At the 2024 BEYA STEM Conference, Sephus was honored with a Student Leadership Award, presented in partnership with The National GEM Consortium.

Sephus earned her bachelor's degree in computer engineering from Mississippi State University and subsequently obtained her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2014.

As a GEM Fellow, her core research areas included digital signal processing, machine learning, and computer engineering.

Currently, as a senior scientist at Amazon, she is recognized for her innovative work in AI.

Sephus serves as the principal scientist for Amazon's AI initiative, playing a key role in incorporating ethical considerations into the development of AI technology.

In addition to her work at Amazon, Sephus founded a nonprofit organization called The Bean Path, which seeks to bridge the technology gap.

The Bean Path offers free tech hours at local libraries in Mississippi, conducts workshops, and provides grants to support educational initiatives.

Sephus is also developing the Jackson Tech District, a 21-acre hub that will serve as a focal point for technologists and innovators.

Her work is driven by a passion for AI and a commitment to making technology accessible and equitable for all.

According to AWS on LinkedIn, Sephus collaborated with a Seattle club to show how generative AI is transforming small businesses.

Dr. Sephus has been teaching small businesses across the U.S. how to tackle real, everyday challenges by using AWS's free app-building tool, which enables anyone to create apps in just a few minutes.

Earlier this year, Sephus appeared as a guest on the Giving Done Right podcast, where she shared The Bean Path's journey from a small group offering tech assistance at a library to a crucial nonprofit meeting essential community needs.

The Bean Path recently celebrated its sixth anniversary, and the AWS InCommunities team hosted five STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activity stations for kids and families. Additionally, on Mississippi's May Day, The Bean Path engaged youth with activities related to AI, robotics, and drones.

For three consecutive years, Sephus has been invited as an expert judge for the "Forbes Top 50 AI Companies" event. Last week, she attended the Equal AI Summit on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., representing Amazon Web Services.

A highlight of her visit was meeting with members of the task force on AI literacy, where she discussed AI governance across various sectors.