At a surface level, technology and AI have become hubs of tools designed to make our lives more productive and efficient. However, by peeling back layers and diving deeper, there exists more complex and invaluable use cases for AI. This is the realm in which Tarik Moody operates as he works within the AI space.
Tarik is Radio Milwaukee’s Digital Director and HYFIN’s Creative Director. In his role as a creative director, he’s hosted many hackathons and hosted tech talks for a program called 88Nine Labs. Tarik is among one of the first Founders for the MKE Tech FOR-M Startup Incubator.
Tarik’s journey into the world of AI began several years ago, preceding the explosion of ChatGPT. He reached out to a technology company in California, seeking to use their innovations to create an AI listening experience for his syndicated radio show. With the launch of that show, it planted a seed of curiosity in AI for Tarik.
Driven by his desire to understand “how everything works under the hood,” Tarik immersed himself in learning more about AI, starting with machine learning. The launch of AI-powered IDEs like Cursor was a turning point for him, amplifying his ideas and enabling him to develop prototypes. He felt as if he had gained knowledge as a superpower, enhancing his learning and problem-solving abilities.
A pivotal moment in Tarik’s AI journey was his participation in his first-ever AI hackathon, hosted by AfroTech. There, he developed an entire application using six APIs to create a skills app that offers advice and resources for individuals eager to learn new skills. This experience opened his mind to the practicality of AI, prompting him to ponder real-world case studies and applications. He questioned how AI could benefit homeless shelters or nonprofits, emphasizing the need to include marginalized communities in the AI narrative.
“If you want to be successful and lead, you have to bring everybody to the table.”
Tarik embodies this philosophy in his passion projects, prioritizing learning in all his endeavors. He created an endless Black Film Trivia game, which operates on a database of 150 films. Inspired by a recent AI hackathon with Google and MLB, Tarik compiled documents to develop an AI-powered text adventure RPG game that educates players about the Negro League using actual data. Ultimately, he envisions AI as a tool for empowerment rather than mere profit.
Tarik sees an opportunity for Wisconsin to collaborate with educational institutions to create open-source models, fostering cross-sector collaboration and making these tools accessible to all. He also highlights the potential of state funds for public schools to enhance their AI capabilities, positioning Wisconsin as a leader in this space.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of AI, Tarik encourages collaboration and underscores the importance of including marginalized communities. By being intentional with cross-sector collaboration, he envisions a future where the region advances collectively, leveraging AI for real-world applications as opposed to just its profitability.