Adonis Payton

Adonis Payton graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, where he served as Valedictorian. He is currently a Cohort 10 HBCU Fellow at Columbia University, pursuing a Master’s in Technology Management. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Adonis is passionate about turning user needs into thoughtful product solutions and building AI-powered software that solves real-world problems. He has worked with Duke University’s NSF Athena AI Research Program, Velocitor Solutions, and Sabree Software Services, combining his technical skills with product thinking to improve systems and support users. Adonis is also the founder of ACE, an AI-powered songwriting application, and led the development of ParkSmart, a campus parking app designed to help students navigate everyday challenges. A former Division II football player and former Creative Director for the Alpha Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he hopes to build a career in the technology industry focused on creating human-centered technology that is sustainable and makes a meaningful impact.