The Mississippi AI Collaborative (MSAIC) is an awardee of data.org and Microsoft’s Generative AI Skills Challenge. Through its ecosystem approach, MSAIC has engaged over 4,000 Mississippians in AI skills. Their AI Agency program connects AI-trained students with local nonprofits and small businesses to provide hands-on AI training and customized AI solutions. Ka’Pri Burden, is an Engineer at MISO Energy and leads project management for the Mississippi AI Collaborative.
When did you realize that AI could be more than just a skill, but a way to solve real challenges and contribute meaningfully to Mississippi’s future?
My first realization that AI could be a powerful tool for real-world impact in Mississippi’s future came during my time as an apprentice in the AI Agency. We were working with a local business, and as we conducted a needs assessment, I could hear both curiosity and hesitation in the client’s voice about AI. But the more I listened, the more my mind started spinning: I wanted to challenge the narrative of AI as a human replacement and consider how the very thing they feared could become the key to their growth. I began identifying areas where AI could streamline their branding efforts, highlight their unique identity, and bring efficiency to their operations.
That moment lit a fire in me because if AI could do that for one Mississippi business, imagine what the impact of the AI Agency could do across communities. I didn’t just see another tool of technology; I saw digital transformation. That’s when I knew I was stepping into something bigger than myself.
With intention, I believe in the ripple effect of using AI to drive impact allowing the missions and goals of each person, small business, and non-profit to be carried out with greater ease. What we’re building isn’t just AI adoption; it’s community empowerment.
Ka’Pri Burden Project Manager Mississippi AI Collaborative
Tell us about your work at the AI Agency initiative. What inspired you to be a part of this initiative?
What inspired me to join the AI Agency was the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in my community. I saw a chance to be part of something that wasn’t just about learning a new technology, but about planting seeds that could grow into long-term progress for Mississippi’s communities and those who service them like small-businesses and nonprofits. To me, this initiative was about creating an ecosystem. I wanted to be part of nourishing that ecosystem, helping it take root and thrive. Whether it was working with a nonprofit or brainstorming with a small business, I knew every shared resource could make a difference. With intention, I believe in the ripple effect of using AI to drive impact allowing the missions and goals of each person, small business, and non-profit to be carried out with greater ease. What we’re building isn’t just AI adoption; it’s community empowerment.
Your work connects you directly with small businesses and nonprofits. How has applying AI in these real-world settings deepened your understanding of its social and economic potential?
Working directly with small businesses and nonprofits has shown me just how powerful AI can be—both as a tool and as a connector. Growing up in Mississippi, I’ve seen how word of mouth spreads information quickly. So when one business owner gains confidence in using AI, that knowledge doesn’t only stay with them—it multiplies across communities.
Socially, AI creates new conversations, brings fresh energy, and helps people realize that they can be part of this tech-driven future. It’s incredibly inspiring to see business owners who once felt left behind begin to reimagine what’s possible.
Economically, AI helps smaller organizations operate with greater efficiency. For teams with limited staff and resources, using AI to handle repetitive tasks or support marketing efforts can save time, reduce costs, and boost productivity. We strive to amplify the efforts and purpose of each interaction, contributing to the community’s growth with upskilling and shared knowledge.
Through this journey, you have learned to use AI and helped small businesses understand its value. What’s one unexpected thing you’ve learned—and one thing you’ve taught others—that’s helped create a ripple effect beyond your own experience/ project?
One unexpected thing I’ve learned is how emotional the journey with AI can be for both clients and myself. There’s excitement, but also vulnerability when people say, “I don’t know where to start,” or ask, “Is this for me?” There’s passion for their purpose, but there’s also fear of potential failure. I’ve learned that guiding someone through those questions is just as important as showing them the tool itself.
One thing I’ve taught others is that AI is not the enemy; it can be an ally. And I say “teach” lightly, because I believe that understanding comes through experience. My role with the AI Agency has been to educate clients on the practical use of AI, elevate their businesses with the right tools, and most importantly, empower them to take ownership of it and spread their knowledge and experience, producing a ripple effect of the digital transformation beyond the work that we’ve done. I’m proud of what we have done, and I’m ecstatic to see what’s next.
Economically, AI helps smaller organizations operate with greater efficiency. For teams with limited staff and resources, using AI to handle repetitive tasks or support marketing efforts can save time, reduce costs, and boost productivity.
Ka’Pri Burden Project Manager Mississippi AI Collaborative
How has learning about AI helped your career?
In a world where industries are constantly evolving, I strive to stay curious, adaptable, and committed to learning to keep me grounded and growing. Technology is more than a tool; it has become a bridge. Learning about AI has transformed the way I think and approach challenges in my work. It helps me navigate the evolving landscape of work with confidence in my contributions. It helps me ask deeper questions, offer smarter solutions, and find personalized explanations for complex topics that I might’ve struggled to understand through traditional methods.
I consider myself a philomath, someone who loves to learn, and AI has expanded what’s possible for me on that journey. Being early in my career, I know there’s still so much ahead of me, and I’m just getting started.
The age of AI has sharpened my focus on the importance of human-centered skills that AI can’t replicate, like communication, creativity, innovation, and emotional intelligence. I’ve become more intentional about developing them alongside my technical growth. Having this perspective has become a core part of who I am and who I’m becoming professionally.
“5 Minutes with” series
These articles share the stories of people around the world leveraging data and AI to drive impact.
