09/24/2026
The rooms I’m walking into these days look a little different—and that’s intentional.
Yesterday I spent the day in Oakland learning, connecting and continuing to build the next chapter of my entrepreneurial journey.
I started at the BOC Small Business Showcase at Caltrans District 4, where I connected with public agencies, transportation organizations, procurement professionals and prime contractors from across the Bay Area.
One lesson stood out: certification is only the beginning.
Small businesses also need relationships, an understanding of procurement, access to opportunities—and a clear explanation of the problems they can solve.
Later, I headed to Oakland City Hall for a discussion about the City’s Economic Development Action Plan.
I asked about an issue I’m particularly interested in:
How is Oakland approaching AI policy and responsible AI adoption?
Because cities aren’t simply going to need AI tools.
They’ll need strategies for governance, privacy, workforce training, organizational change and determining where AI can actually improve public services.
This is where my own background is starting to come together.
I’ve worked in government. I’ve trained employees and managed projects. I’ve navigated organizational change. I’ve built businesses.
Now I’m bringing those experiences into AI through CoCo Noir Labs.
I’m increasingly interested in helping municipalities and public agencies move from AI curiosity → responsible implementation.
And I want to do some of that work right here in Oakland and throughout the Bay Area.
We’re located in one of the world’s most influential technology ecosystems.
Being near the AI economy isn’t enough.
Our businesses, workers and public institutions should participate in it.
Yesterday wasn’t just networking.
It was relationship building. Market research. Listening. Learning. And positioning CoCo Noir Labs for what’s next.
