Speaking at Startup Weekend Tampa Bay Building an AI-Driven SEO Tool

A Journey to Victory: Startup Weekend Tampa Bay

It all started with a weekend full of innovation and creativity at Startup Weekend Tampa Bay. 🥈🚀 What began as a casual way to apply my Machine Learning (ML) studies turned into a life-changing experience. Little did I know, I would soon be part of a team destined for success.

Joining Forces: From Vision to Reality

The event offered an opportunity to bring my passion for AI and SEO to life. I joined a talented group of individuals, each with unique skills and perspectives. Together, we tackled real customer pain points, engaged in insightful conversations, and collaborated to build a proof of concept for an AI-driven SEO tool. But like any short-term project, aligning everyone’s vision was a challenge.

Early on, I realized the importance of setting expectations within the team. My personal goal was to contribute meaningfully while also supporting my teammates. With this clarity, I focused on delivering where I could add the most value — starting with UX designs, before diving into the development phase. This balance was key to driving the project forward.

The Power of Feedback: Unlocking Potential

After the event, I reached out to peers, judges, and my team for feedback. Their insights reinforced the idea that collaboration and clarity are crucial to achieving success, especially in fast-paced environments like hackathons. The experience has not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of effective teamwork.

A Team Effort: Gratitude and Recognition

Winning this challenge wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of some incredible people. First, a big thanks to Will Freeman, the organizers, and the sponsors who made this event a reality. Your efforts paved the way for us to succeed.

Special shoutouts to Debut Labs, Merium Malik, Kelly Barrena, Brooke Beeler, and Tracy Ingram for guiding us through some of the toughest hurdles. Your advice and encouragement were instrumental.

Finally, to my teammates Dayle Feliciano, Evgeniya Simmons, and Ramiro Gonzalez—your hard work and dedication made this victory possible. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and excited for what the future holds for us as we continue on our entrepreneurial journeys.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Innovation

As we move forward, I’m excited to see how we can take this project even further, perhaps even at Miami Hack Week, if time allows. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together, blending technical prowess with real-world problem-solving. I look forward to more opportunities to create, innovate, and collaborate with this fantastic team.

In the end, this victory wasn’t just about winning Startup Weekend—it was about learning, growing, and building lasting connections. The entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and I’m grateful to be running it with such an incredible group of people.

Here’s to the next big challenge! 💡