Meet the Team.

Skye Williamson

Clifton "Skye" Williamson is a co-founder of the Ma’at Institute of Artificial Intelligence (MIAI) and a dedicated advocate for criminal justice reform, both within and beyond the prison system. For 15 of his 26 years inside, Skye created outlets for both his and his peers' humanity to thrive, establishing initiatives such as math tutoring, theater programs, trauma-related rehabilitation, and then co-founding Transforming Lives, an artist mentor organization for incarcerated individuals. Many of these initiatives continue to thrive today, a testament to their enduring impact and Skye's visionary approach.

Released in 2021 through a pardon from the Governor of New York, Skye has continued to enhance his skills and deepen his understanding of the needs of those seeking change within marginalized communities. As an Associate at the philanthropic foundation, Galaxy Gives, he engaged with and learned from leaders in the criminal justice reform (CJR) movement. Skye has also been invited to speak at prestigious universities, liberal arts colleges, and local community groups, sharing wisdom derived from his lived experiences and offering insightful perspectives on the potential benefits and drawbacks of justice tech solutions.

Skye's commitment to CJR has expanded further, with his role as a Project Manager and Advisory Council Liaison for the REFORM Alliance, an organization advocating for parole and probation reform. He actively contributes to various technical and non-technical projects, collaborating closely with movement leaders to develop and implement strategies and solutions.

Beyond the constraints of the prison system, Skye has embraced his calling to address the void in his own life and the lives of others. He co-founded MIAI to empower grassroots and non-grassroots organizations in the CJR substrate with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to effectively utilize data and AI in pursuit of their missions.

Skye's educational background includes a BA in mathematics from Bard College, with a focus on neuroscience, behavioral sciences, algorithms, and machine learning. He continues to expand his knowledge about data analysis and AI, via various online sources, including earning certifications and enrolling in online courses offered by prestigious institutions like Columbia University and MIT. Outside of his professional pursuits, Skye enjoys training at the USA Shaolin Temple in Manhattan, participating in 5Rhythms Sunday Reset dance sessions, reading philosophical works, and listening to podcasts discussing AI, free will, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and other thought-provoking subjects.

Paul An

Paul An is a co-founder of the Ma’at Institute of Artificial Intelligence (MIAI). His journey towards co-founding MIAI reflects his unwavering dedication to the field of criminal justice reform (CJR).

Prior to his incarceration, Paul’s expertise laid in data analysis and strategic consulting: he played a pivotal role in driving digital transformations, streamlining workflows, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency for major corporations. With a proven track record of delivering substantial cost savings and performance improvements, Paul’s approach to IT management was nothing short of strategic excellence.

Behind bars, Paul gained a profound understanding of the critical role of CJR work in society. He recognized the transformative potential of technology to bridge the digital divide, improve accessibility, and empower individuals through innovative solutions. It was during this time that Paul resolved to apply his skills and passion for data analysis and systems design and management to serve grassroots organizations operating in the CJR space.

Upon his release, Paul was determined to make a lasting impact. He quickly identified inefficiencies in most CJR organizations due to limited resources. This experience drove him to explore ways to fill this void in the CJR sector. He committed himself to leveraging his expertise gained from working with executives in S&P 500 companies and translating that knowledge to CJR organizations.

As a co-founder of MIAI, Paul has dedicated himself to empowering both grassroots and non-grassroots organizations in the field of criminal justice reform with the tools, knowledge, and support required to harness the full potential of data and optimizing their operations in the pursuit of their missions.

Paul’s educational background includes a BA in science with a concentration in finance from Babson College, and continually expands his knowledge in data analysis and AI through various online sources and certifications from prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, University Of Michigan and IBM: his currently focusing on Python and SQL to supplement his current skillset.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Paul enjoys practicing yoga, building wood projects, and keeping up with the sneaker world.