In episode 5 of POV with SEG: AI for Good, we’re joined by Sam Azar of Ascend Impact Advisors to discuss how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to advance equity and strengthen Rhode Island’s small business ecosystem.

Sam recently led the first AI Capacity Catalyst Program, a 10-week initiative that helps Rhode Island’s social entrepreneurs and small business owners integrate AI into their operations in practical, ethical, and human-centered ways.

In the second half of the episode, we’re joined by program graduates from the Rhode Island nonprofit Gnome Surf, Chris Antao and Brooke Tubbs. They share the inspiration and development behind their prototype, GnomeFit—an at-home surf fitness platform offering fun, accessible video workouts infused with social-emotional learning principles, designed for every body and ability, from little groms to seasoned wave riders.

In this episode of POV with SEG, Julie Owens sits down with Matt Weldon, Director of Rhode Island's Department of Labor and Training, to explore how entrepreneurship fuels job creation and workforce development. Matt discusses state policies in detail and highlights gaps in supporting entrepreneurial pathways. Later, we’re joined by two local entrepreneurs, Tess Feigenbaum of Epic Renewal and Kyla Quinlan of Feast & Fettle, who share their experiences as startup founders and how they’ve expanded employment opportunities in Rhode Island.

In this episode of POV with SEG, we explore The Social Determinants of Business: Barriers No One Talks About in Entrepreneurship—a groundbreaking framework that sheds light on the invisible forces shaping who gets to succeed in business. Co-authors Dr. Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe and Julie Owens unpack the systemic challenges—like generational wealth gaps, limited access to networks, and the burden of caregiving—that often go unacknowledged in traditional business narratives. They’re joined by local entrepreneurs turned SEG board members, Dwayne Keys and Shirley Moore, who share powerful, personal stories that bring the research to life. This conversation connects data with lived experience and calls for a more inclusive, equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Business executive and former gubernatorial candidate Helena Foulkes joins SEG CEO Julie Owens to discuss Rhode Island’s economic future. They explore how the state can position itself for long-term growth by balancing innovation with existing industries, advancing sustainability and social impact, and shaping policies that make Rhode Island a competitive business hub. Foulkes also takes questions from Rhode Islanders, addressing their concerns and hopes for the state’s economy.

Ray Nuñez and John Tarantino join SEG CEO Julie Owens for a candid conversation about the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s business climate. As organizations face legal, political, and financial pressures, this episode explores what’s at stake and what comes next for DEI in Rhode Island and beyond.