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Tag: Yale University

  • Yale Students Raise $5.1M for AI Networking Platform ‘Series’

    Two ambitious Black students from Yale University are set to revolutionize social networking with their AI-powered platform, ‘Series.’ Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, who met during their freshman year, have successfully raised $5.1 million in pre-seed funding for their innovative venture, attracting notable investors like Venmo co-founder Iqram Magdon-Ismail and Reddit CEO Steve Huffman.

    The Power of ‘Warm Connections’

    Johnson and Hargrow’s journey began with a desire to understand how successful businesses are built. While interviewing founders and CEOs, they realized the immense value of “warm connections.” This insight inspired them to create ‘Series,’ a next-generation social networking platform designed to facilitate these meaningful introductions.

    What sets ‘Series’ apart is its unique approach: it operates entirely through iMessage, bypassing the need for a separate AI app. Users can text the ‘Series AI’ number, explain who they are and whom they wish to connect with. The AI then responds with “shares”—a swipeable carousel of 10 user posts—allowing individuals to find others with similar requests.

    Innovative Approaches to Building a Startup

    Johnson, studying computer science and economics, and Hargrow, focusing on neuroscience, are rewriting the startup playbook. They launched their first major marketing initiative with an unconventional reality TV show, “The Series,” streamed live on Twitch in August 2025. “We’re rewriting the startup playbook,” Johnson told Forbes. “If we’re going to capture attention, we have to build community in the most public way possible.”

    Remarkably, both founders are continuing their studies while building ‘Series’ from the ground up. Johnson acknowledges the challenge of balancing academics with running a company, but sees it as an opportunity: “Your extra time outside of your supposed obligation can be used to catapult what you’re truly meant to do.” The team plans to use their recent capital to hire more engineers, expand product capabilities, and remain on the East Coast, embracing the trend of young founders choosing “Silicon Alley” over Silicon Valley.

    What do you think of the ‘Series’ platform and its innovative approach to networking? Are you excited about the future of AI in social connections? Let us know in the comments!

  • From Janitor to Doctor: Shay Taylor-Allen’s Yale Homecoming

    Talk about a full-circle moment! Shay Taylor-Allen is about to achieve a lifelong dream, and it’s happening at a place that holds deep personal significance: Yale School of Medicine. Not only was she born at this prestigious hospital, but she also worked there as a janitor at just 18 years old. Now, she’s returning as a doctor!

    A Dream Residency at Yale

    Last week, the 32-year-old medical student discovered she matched with her first-choice residency program at Yale. The news sent waves of emotion, captured in a viral Instagram video that has garnered over 3.7 million views. Taylor-Allen, who attends Howard University College of Medicine, described the experience as “surreal.”

    “I am still just feeling like I’m in a dream, because I could have never imagined that I’ll be going back to the same hospital I was not only born at, but a janitor at, to be a doctor for my community,” she told ABC News. Her upcoming residency in her hometown feels like a true homecoming.

    Inspired by Family and Community

    Taylor-Allen didn’t always envision a career in medicine. Her path shifted during her sophomore year of college when she began caring for her sick mother. This experience ignited a passion for healthcare and a desire to make a difference.

    Dr. Lisa Leffert, chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Yale, expressed excitement about Taylor-Allen’s return. “She will join a community of talented colleagues who are dedicated to patient care, education, investigation, and service to our community,” Dr. Leffert stated. Taylor-Allen is expected to graduate from Howard in May and begin her residency in Yale’s Department of Anesthesiology later this year.

    A Message of Hope for Minorities in Medicine

    Taylor-Allen shared a powerful message for other minorities aspiring to enter the medical field: “We can do anything that we put our minds to — and people of color specifically, we’re needed in [the medical] field.” She emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “People that look like us [are] needed, and our patients are waiting for us to do it.”

    What inspires you most about Shay Taylor-Allen’s incredible journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Yale Deltas Host Harlem Renaissance Week

    Drawing inspiration from the powerful legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, the Yale Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently hosted ‘REDaissance,’ a dynamic five-day event series focused on social action. This initiative aimed to educate and inspire students on critical social justice issues, both domestically and internationally, embodying the sorority’s commitment to responsible citizenship.

    Embracing the Spirit of Social Change

    Chapter President Aubrey Vaughn explained that Social Action is a cornerstone of Delta Sigma Theta’s mission. The ‘REDaissance’ week was designed to highlight contemporary social justice issues, mirroring the impactful work of Harlem Renaissance figures like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, who used their art and intellect to inspire change.

    The events blended educational components with tangible community impact, demonstrating how modern activism can be inspired by historical movements. The sorority sisters aimed to foster a spirit of engagement and empowerment among participants.

    Focus on Global and Local Issues

    One significant event was a teach-in focused on the civil war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. This session, held in collaboration with a local book drive partner, New Haven Reads, aimed to shed light on a global issue that has received less attention amidst other international crises. DST member Ryen Eley noted the inspiration behind the Sudan focus: ‘Black lives are so often undervalued, and I was disheartened by the lack of attention being paid to such a horrific humanitarian crisis.’

    The teach-in not only raised awareness but also provided attendees with actionable steps, such as contacting representatives to advocate for Sudan. The accompanying book drive also emphasized the importance of Black literary works and authors, donating books to New Haven Reads to support literacy in underserved communities.

    Community, Culture, and Financial Literacy

    The week also included a dinner discussion with Su’ad Abdul Khabeer, author of ‘Muslim Cool: Race, Religion, and Hip Hop in the United States.’ This event, organized in partnership with several other Yale student groups, fostered conversations about the Black community, culture, and faith. A food drive was also held in conjunction with the dinner.

    Concluding the week was a financial literacy workshop, offering practical skills to the young women. The ‘REDaissance’ week successfully combined global discourse with local community impact, inspiring not only the participants but also the broader Yale campus community.

    What social justice issues are most important to you? Share your thoughts and how you take action in the comments below!

  • Yale’s Black Fraternities Face Historic Lows

    Imagine walking onto a historic campus like Yale, a place steeped in tradition and academic excellence, only to find that two prominent Black fraternities have just one member each. That’s the reality facing Alejandro Rojas of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Keith Pemberton of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. These dedicated students are now on a mission to safeguard the rich histories of their organizations before they graduate.

    A Fight Against Lost History

    Rojas and Pemberton are grappling with a significant challenge: a lack of comprehensive documentation from Yale University itself. “A lot of our history has been lost because of the lack of documentation from Yale University,” Rojas shared with the Yale Daily News. He feels a deep responsibility to ensure these legacies are honored, especially given the university’s past struggles in recognizing the status of Black students and their organizations.

    Alpha Phi Alpha, established at Yale in the 1970s, once boasted nearly 20 members on campus during the 80s and 90s. However, tracing its history has been difficult. Many early Black scholars weren’t always listed in Yale’s enrollment logs, and chapter members often weren’t recorded in yearbooks. Rojas has been diligently searching archives, even at other universities like Cornell and Howard, to piece together this vital history.

    Preserving Legacy for Future Generations

    Pemberton, the sole member of Omega Psi Phi at Yale, represents the citywide Epsilon Iota Iota chapter, founded in 1922. While about nine Yale students have joined the chapter historically, it had gone 15 years without a Yale initiate before Pemberton. He hopes his presence will pave the way for future Black men at Yale and in New Haven, fostering a path of achievement and scholarship.

    Both Rojas and Pemberton emphasize that their goal isn’t just about increasing numbers. They are seeking students who are genuinely dedicated to honoring the history and bringing their unique perspectives to these esteemed organizations. This commitment reflects a broader desire to ensure that the contributions and experiences of Black students at Yale are not forgotten.

    The Importance of Documentation and Recognition

    The situation at Yale highlights a critical issue: the importance of institutional documentation and recognition for minority organizations. Without proper records, the rich tapestry of history woven by Black students and their fraternities risks fading away. Rojas and Pemberton’s efforts are a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to actively preserve and celebrate these vital parts of campus heritage.

    What do you think about the challenges facing Black fraternities at predominantly white institutions? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!