Today we’d like to introduce you to Tory Keit.
Hi Tory, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Finding My Voice:
My journey began as a spoken word artist, where I discovered the power of storytelling to connect and inspire. I remember the nervous energy and the rush of adrenaline the first time I stepped onto the stage. It was a moment of fear and excitement, a moment that would shape my future. Those early performances, where I stumbled over words and found my voice, were just the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and they laid the foundation for my work as an author and leader.
Authoring Change:
Writing, a natural extension of my passion for storytelling, has led me to publish a diverse range of books across genres. From fiction to self-help, my works reflect growth, resilience, and community themes, engaging readers with various perspectives and experiences. Some of my works include:
“Chasing Poetry: A Novel” and “The Parker Coin” delve into the themes of connection and mystery, weaving a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. These books have been a journey of self-discovery for me, and I hope they inspire readers to explore their own mysteries and connections.
“Life Skills for Success” and “AI-900 Success” – Equipping readers with personal and professional growth tools.
“Journal of a Man Before His Time” and “Conversations of Infatuation” – Delving into poetry and personal reflection.
“Reading Seeds” and “ChatGPT and Friends” – Inspiring young minds through literacy and technology.
Each book represents a piece of my journey and a desire to inspire and uplift.
Empowering Communities:
Driven to give back, I founded the Keit Foundation, a nonprofit empowering underserved communities through free STEM and AI education. Our programs include:
GreenTech Academy – Cultivating future STEM leaders.
Innovate Her Initiative – Supporting women in STEM.
AI Prompt Engineers Program – Making AI accessible for career growth.
Dad Vibes Crew – Building supportive spaces for fathers.
We’ve impacted thousands through these efforts, providing tools and opportunities to help others thrive.
Lifelong Learning and Leadership:
With a background in technology systems and leadership, I bring strategic thinking and innovation to everything I do. My work is guided by a belief in lifelong learning and a commitment to empowering others.
Connecting and Growing:
Today, I’m proud to serve as an author, public speaker, and Chairman of the Keit Foundation. My mission is simple: to inspire others to reach their potential, whether through storytelling, education, or community service.
Looking Ahead:
My journey continuously evolves, blending creativity and service to make a meaningful impact. My story inspires others to embrace their path with purpose and passion.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Thank you for asking. The journey with the Keit Foundation has been enriching, but it has sometimes been challenging. We knew there would be challenges when we set out to empower underserved communities through free AI and STEM education.
One of our biggest struggles is securing consistent funding to keep our programs free and accessible. While we’ve been fortunate to receive contributions from board members, grants, and generous donors, ensuring financial stability is an ongoing effort. Balancing our expenses—allocating funds to programs, administrative costs, and fundraising—requires careful planning and transparency. Our proposed allocation directs 70% of funds to programs, but achieving this while maintaining operations is a constant challenge.
Another hurdle has been reaching those who need our resources the most. Underserved communities often lack awareness of available programs or face barriers to access. To bridge this gap, we’ve had to invest significant time and resources into community outreach, building trust, and forming partnerships with local organizations. Initiatives like the GreenTech Academy and AI Prompt Engineers Program require not just funding but also active participation from communities that may need to be more open and aware of such opportunities.
We’ve also encountered challenges in promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM fields. For instance, increasing female participation and supporting underrepresented groups has been a focal point, but changing long-standing societal patterns takes time. We’ve faced issues such as lack of awareness, societal stereotypes, and limited access to resources. For instance, while we’ve seen a 30% increase in female participation utilizing our AI writing tools, much work remains. Programs like the Innovate Her Initiative are making strides but require persistent effort and resources to sustain momentum.
Keeping up with the rapid pace of technological advancement is another ongoing struggle. Ensuring our AI Tools and educational resources remain up-to-date and relevant involves continuous learning and adaptation. This not only demands financial investment but also the dedication of our team to stay ahead of industry trends.
Lastly, managing the foundation’s growth has its own set of challenges. As we’ve expanded—now reaching over 11,000+ site visitors—we’ve had to scale our infrastructure, both technologically and organizationally. This growth is positive but requires robust systems and processes to maintain the quality of our programs.
Despite these obstacles, each challenge has reinforced our commitment to our mission. The success stories—like Dee Isaac, who transformed her small business using our free AI tools, or Jamal Harris, whose participation in the GreenTech Academy inspired him to pursue a degree in environmental engineering—remind us why we started this journey. These real-world impacts, such as the increase in female participation and the transformation of small businesses, fuel our passion and drive us to overcome any hurdles we face. They also underscore the importance of our mission and the need for continued support and engagement from our stakeholders.
The road hasn’t been entirely smooth, but the bumps along the way have shaped us, taught us valuable lessons, and made the Keit Foundation stronger. We’re dedicated to continuing our work, learning from our challenges, and expanding our reach to empower even more individuals and communities through AI and STEM education. Our dedication to our mission is unwavering, and it inspires us to overcome any hurdles we face.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Keit Foundation is your gateway to free, interactive, and accessible STEM and AI learning. Our mission is to empower youth, adults, and small businesses in underserved communities with innovative tools, immersive programs, and expert resources that drive growth, foster innovation, and create opportunities. We’re bridging education gaps, advancing technology skills, and building a brighter, more inclusive future.
Our Mission: The Keit Foundation is committed to enriching lives and unlocking potential through dedicated mentoring, innovative educational programs, and initiatives that promote sustainable welfare. We strive to create opportunities for personal and community growth, focusing on the underserved by harnessing the power of collaboration, knowledge, and compassionate action.
Our Vision: To empower communities through education and sustainable development, envisioning a world where everyone can access the tools and resources needed to thrive. The Keit Foundation aims to be a beacon of hope and progress, fostering a global society that values mentorship, learning, and the well-being of all its members.
Impact at a Glance:
11,000+ site visitors utilizing our free programs
70% of participants from underrepresented communities
30% increase in female participation utilizing our AI writing tools
22% increase in participation utilizing our AI App Development tools
Innovative and Free Tools and Resources. Our commitment to accessibility means all our tools are free to use with multi-language support.
AI Toolkit: Access our suite of 22 specialized AI tools designed to make STEM learning interactive and engaging for all ages.
Education Tools: Enhance learning in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Small Business Tools: Empower businesses with AI solutions for growth and efficiency.
App Development: Turn ideas into reality with user-friendly development tools.
Career Development: Gain skills and insights to advance your professional journey.
Wellness & Nutrition: Promote a balanced lifestyle with personalized guidance.
Writing Assistant: Enhance communication skills with AI-powered support.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Thank you for asking. The COVID-19 crisis taught me several profound lessons—personally and as a member of the larger community. One of my biggest takeaways was that being prepared doesn’t always mean being ready as you planned. We all had preparedness ideas, but the pandemic pushed us to adapt unexpectedly. It was a humbling reminder that flexibility is just as important as planning.
Being confined to my home for extended periods was an unexpected and daunting challenge. As someone who thrives on creativity and connection, the sudden shift to isolation was tough. However, it also provided an opportunity to slow down and re-center. I discovered the importance of nurturing mental health and finding creative outlets, even in isolation.
Another significant lesson I learned was about the power of empathy in understanding diverse perspectives. People approached the pandemic with varying levels of fear, caution, and beliefs, and navigating those differences wasn’t always easy. It taught me the importance of understanding that everyone processes uncertainty differently and the role of empathy in fostering connection and compassion.
What truly inspired me was witnessing the remarkable unity and collaboration within our communities during such a difficult time. In my local area, we worked together to ensure everyone had access to testing and PPE. Seeing people set aside their differences to care for one another was heartening. This sense of unity is a powerful reminder of how much we can accomplish when we come together and prioritize the well-being of all. I genuinely thank Home Depot and Disney for their support. They provided hand sanitizer and cloth masks for me to distribute to the community of Cobb County.
The pandemic was undeniably challenging, but it reinforced my adaptability, empathy, and values of collective action. These lessons continue to influence how I approach my work, writing, and community involvement today. They remind us of our resilience and the power of adaptability in overcoming even the most daunting challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keitfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekeitfoundation/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/keitfoundation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keit-foundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKeitFoundation
- Other: https://bio.site/thetorykeit
Image Credits
Milynne Media
