Hello, I'm

Mia C.PhD

"I build AI that protects people."

Researcher. Builder. Advocate. I work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human impact — from protecting trafficking survivors to making technology accessible to underserved communities.

Dir. of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing @ Austin AI Hub · Sr. Researcher @ Rackspace
Mia C. — AI Researcher and Builder based in Austin, Texas
Scroll

Affiliated With

Texas Tech University (PhD) Rackspace Technology Austin AI Hub

AI that amplifies human potential

I believe technology should lift people up, not leave them behind.

As a researcher, strategist, and community builder, I work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, accessibility, and human impact. My academic research explored how technology can make experiences accessible to those traditionally left out — and that mission continues in everything I do.

Today, I direct strategic partnerships and marketing at Austin AI Hub, conduct AI research at Rackspace Technology, and I'm completing my PhD at Texas Tech University. I don't just theorize — I build, I teach, I ship.

My Mission

To advance AI systems that protect vulnerable populations and make technology accessible to underserved communities — proving that ethical AI isn't just possible, it's essential.

Education

PhD, Management & Tourism GPA: 3.96

Texas Tech University

Research: AI, Accessibility, UX/AR/VR & DEI

4-Year Merit Fellowship Research Support Award Tuition Scholarship

Current Roles

  • Director of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing Austin AI Hub
    500+ members 50+ events 3x growth in 2024
  • Senior Researcher Rackspace Technology

Academic Service

  • Peer Reviewer IGI Global · Cogent Business & Management
  • Judge — Graduate Research Conference Texas Tech University (2021)
  • Research Seminar Coordinator Texas Tech GRAHM (2019–2020)

Volunteer & Applied Work

  • UX Researcher Pandemic Professors (NGO) Led UX research initiatives to improve family/student onboarding processes through surveys and diary studies during COVID-19.

Teaching Experience

  • Instructor — RHIM 2308: Hotel Operations Texas Tech University (Fall 2021) Designed curriculum and delivered lectures for undergraduate hospitality course.

Projects I've Built

From AI safety tools to community platforms to nonprofit infrastructure — here's what I've shipped.

ChaiChat

Mentorship Platform

A community-driven mentorship platform for Austin AI Hub. Built the complete web application from concept to deployment.

Visit ChaiChat →

Austin AI Hub

Nonprofit Community Website

Built the full austinaihub.com website using AI-powered tools. Implemented SEO, AI search visibility strategy, structured data, and entity-rich content to drive organic growth for the nonprofit.

Visit Austin AI Hub →

EDRON AI

Company Website

Full website design and development for an AI consulting firm. Strategic digital marketing and brand positioning.

Visit EDRON AI →

HAVEN

AI for Good Submission

Privacy-preserving anti-trafficking AI platform submitted to ITU AI for Good "Innovate for Impact" — demonstrating international recognition with UN-affiliated organization.

AI for Good →

AI Against Trafficking

Concept & Prototype

Prototyped an AI content generation concept for anti-trafficking awareness. Created Instagram prototype to demonstrate vision for automated awareness campaigns.

See Prototype →

Nonprofit Resource Intelligence

Grant & Software Tracker

Built for Austin AI Hub 501(c)(3) to identify $700,000+ in grants and free software resources, maximizing organizational impact on AI education accessibility.

View Tracker →

Topics I speak on

I'm available for speaking engagements on AI innovation, accessibility, and building inclusive technology for underserved communities.

Speaking Topics

AI Innovation for Impact

Moving beyond theory to practical AI solutions that create real-world value.

AI for Underserved Communities

How to ensure AI benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.

AI Accessibility & Inclusion

Designing AI systems that work for everyone, including those often left behind.

Building Inclusive AI Communities

Lessons from growing Austin's AI ecosystem with accessibility at the center.

AI Search Visibility & Generative Engine Optimization

How AI is changing the way people discover brands — and what businesses need to do about it.

Available for keynotes, panels, workshops, and podcasts.

Request Speaking Info

How I Work With Organizations

1

Research & Advisory

I translate complex AI research into actionable strategy. I've advised organizations on responsible AI implementation, AI accessibility, and emerging technology adoption.

2

Speaking & Workshops

I speak at conferences, lead workshops, and facilitate training on AI innovation, accessibility, and building inclusive technology. Available for keynotes, panels, and podcasts.

3

Community Building

As Director of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing at Austin AI Hub (500+ members), I grow AI ecosystems. I connect people, organize events, and create spaces where AI practitioners learn from each other.

4

Building

I don't just advise — I build. From web platforms to AI tools to nonprofit infrastructure, I ship real products. See the portfolio section for examples.

Published work

My doctoral research at Texas Tech University explores how AI and emerging technology — including wearable devices, AR/VR, and smart systems — can make real-world experiences accessible to people who are traditionally left out. This work spans accessibility, AI ethics, and user experience design.

Book Chapter 2024

Ethical AI Storytelling in Volunteer Tourism

IGI Global

Exploring ethical considerations of AI applications in volunteer tourism contexts, with frameworks for responsible implementation.

Read Publication
Dissertation 2022

Making Tourism Accessible Through Wearable Technology

Texas Tech University

Quantitative research on using smart glasses to make travel experiences accessible for people with travel hesitation and disabilities.

View Research
Conference Poster 2019

Smart Airbnb: The Importance of Smart Technology and Its Effect on Booking Intention

Graduate Conference of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Las Vegas

Research examining how smart home technology adoption influences consumer booking decisions in the sharing economy.

Conference Paper 2020

Negative Online Reviews of Hotel Green Practices and Consumer Purchase Intention

25th Annual Graduate Education & Graduate Student Research Conference, Las Vegas

Examining how negative reviews of sustainability practices impact consumer booking behavior in the hospitality industry.

Journal 2026 · Under Review

Wearing Your Destination: Smart Glasses for Accessible Tourism

Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality & Tourism

Making the tourism experience accessible through smart glasses for people with travel hesitation. Revised submission.

Journal 2026 · Under Review

AI-Generated Review Summaries and Decision Making

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology

Understanding adoption of AI-generated review summaries in digital hospitality platforms. Manuscript ID: JHTT-01-2026-0062.

Conference 2026 · Submitted

The 90th Minute Problem: Edge AI for Smart & Safe Tourism

TTRA 56th Annual International Conference

Edge AI solutions for smart and safe tourism at mega-sporting events. First author submission.

What others say

11 recommendations on LinkedIn

Read all 11 recommendations →

Let's work together

Whether you're looking for a speaker, trainer, strategic advisor, or collaborator — I'd love to hear from you.

Speaking & Events

Keynotes, panels, workshops, podcasts

Training & Consulting

AI ethics workshops, governance strategy

Collaboration

Research, community projects, partnerships

Currently accepting

  • Speaking engagements & podcasts
  • Research collaborations
  • Advisory & consulting
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Community partnerships
Open to new opportunities
Anti-Trafficking AI

SoulShield AI

A trauma-informed AI support system designed to protect and empower survivors of human trafficking — a federal priority affecting 27.6 million victims globally. Provides 24/7 crisis grounding, bystander-safe mode for high-risk situations, and zero-knowledge encryption to prevent abuser surveillance.

Privacy-First Design
24/7 Support
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
GPT-4 LangChain AWS Python
View on GitHub