Meet Joel E. (he/him), a New Face of Tech winner who is getting his MBA at NYU.

What is your dream?

My dream is to build at the intersection of technology, media, and entertainment, using AI to create tools that help people tell stories that look like mine and sound like mine. I want to help amplify voices that have historically been overlooked, and to make storytelling more accessible, scalable, and globally impactful through technology.

I envision creating platforms and products that don’t just entertain, but empower — whether that’s using AI to help creators bring ideas to life faster, building personalized content experiences, or designing new ways for communities to connect through stories. I’m especially passionate about using tech to uplift people of color and women and being an intentional ally, helping create safer, more inclusive spaces in media and technology.

Please share how you feel about the win and what impact it will have on your career.

Proverbs 3:5-6. This win validates the path I’m on. It helps me invest in the experiences and credentials that will take me from learning AI to leading AI-powered products in media and entertainment.

What advice do you have for other women reaching for their dreams?

Don’t ever let fear, doubt, or other people’s opinions talk you out of what God put in your heart. If you have a dream, it’s there for a reason.

There will be moments where you feel behind, underestimated, or like you have to prove yourself twice as much. In those moments, remember you don’t need permission to be great. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep taking steps even when it feels uncomfortable.

And most importantly, don’t chase your dream alone. Find mentors who will pour into you, celebrate you, and remind you who you are.