Yamillet (Yami) Payano, a first-generation Afro-Latina, is currently Sign-Speak’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. Sign-Speak is a real-time AI Sign Language recognition software that allows for sign language to be translated into English, and vice versa. She obtained her BS in Economics and Mathematics with a Minor in Mandarin through her Gates Millennium Scholarship at American University. At American University she launched and managed the Cross-Campus Organizing Network, a non-profit movement that managed more than 100 volunteers that advocated for immigration policy reform. She also served as the Student Body President. Prior to Sign-Speak, Yami obtained industry experience working as a Quantitative Analyst at The Federal National Mortgage Association’s (Fannie Mae) Fair Lending Team. In that position, she worked to make the American lending process less discriminatory towards low-income marginalized minorities.