ABOUT US
Building bridges between technology and community
OUR STORY
We started Community Innovations after seeing something we couldn't ignore. I've been working in AI research and development since 2018, we watched technology move forward at incredible speed, but mostly for large corporations. Meanwhile, small businesses and nonprofits, the ones that give our communities character and jobs, were falling behind.
We realized this gap wasn't just about tools or funding: it was about access. When innovation doesn't reach everyone, opportunity becomes uneven, and that imbalance affects entire communities. The growing layoffs and instability we see today are part of that same problem.
So we built Community Innovations to help rebalance things. We train students and residents to support local businesses and nonprofits with technology, creative thinking, and practical solutions, creating a cycle where everyone benefits. Local talents gain skills and experience; small businesses grow stronger; and our communities become more connected and resilient.
Dailin Hu
Founder & Director
OUR TEAM
Dailin Hu
Executive Director
Nada Lahjouji
Program Director
Wesley Wu
Tech Lead
Titilope Ojo-Oba
Social Media
Rehnuma Tazrian
Content Research
OUR MISSION
Community Empowerment
We believe lasting change begins at the local level. Our mission is to help students, small businesses, and nonprofits gain access to the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.
By creating opportunities for collaboration and skill-building, we empower people to take ownership of their ideas, strengthen their communities, and lead projects that create real, visible impact.
Responsible Innovation
Technology should make our lives better. We're committed to making innovation more inclusive, transparent, and ethical.
Through education and open dialogue, we help people understand how technology and AI shape our daily lives, so communities can make informed choices and push for solutions that prioritize people, equity, and sustainability over profit.
Collaborative Learning
We learn best when we learn together. Our programs bring people from all backgrounds, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members, into spaces where they can share knowledge and co-create solutions.
Through talks, workshops, events, and hands-on projects, we cultivate curiosity, creativity, and teamwork as the foundation for meaningful progress.
OUR VALUES
Shared Growth
We believe progress should benefit everyone, not just those with access or resources. By connecting people and small businesses, we help knowledge, skills, and opportunities circulate within the community.
Practical Innovation
Innovation doesn't have to be flashy. It has to work. We focus on real, usable solutions that help local organizations and individuals thrive in an ever-changing world.
Collaboration Over Competition
We create spaces where students, residents, and businesses learn from one another. When we work together instead of apart, we build trust, resilience, and impact that lasts.
Community Resilience
Strong communities grow from connection and care. Every project we do, from training to problem-solving, strengthens the local fabric and helps people support one another through change.