About Me
Self-Taught.
AI-Obsessed.
I'm Khalif — a self-taught software engineer who fell in love with AI and built what I wished I had: a community where anyone can learn, build, and grow.
The Journey
No degree required. Just building.
I didn't take the traditional path. I taught myself everything — and that's exactly why I believe anyone can do this. Here's what drives me.
Self-Taught
No CS degree — just curiosity, late nights, and the internet. I learned to code from scratch and proved that access beats pedigree.
Found AI
When I discovered AI, everything clicked. I saw a technology that could level the playing field for anyone willing to learn — and I went all in.
Built This
I built what I wished I had — a community, courses, and events all focused on AI. Because the biggest barrier to AI isn't intelligence — it's access.
The Why
Because talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
I taught myself to code. No CS degree — just curiosity, late nights, and the internet. When I discovered AI, everything changed. I saw a technology that could level the playing field for anyone willing to learn. But across the country, communities full of ambition are locked out — not because of a lack of ability, but a lack of access.
khalifbuildsai exists because I refuse to accept that zip code should determine who gets to build with AI. When you equip people with knowledge and surround them with community, limits dissolve and futures open up.
My Purpose
Build. Launch. Keep going.
My purpose is to create the infrastructure — events, courses, mentorship, and community — that turns potential into progress. I don't just inspire; I equip. I don't just connect; I catalyze.
Every workshop, live session, and meetup I host is designed to move someone one step closer to building with AI, a launched startup, or a community that has their back. This is a movement you carry with you.
Track Record
What I've built so far.
Scaled a tech community from 0 to 900+ members offline
Built and grew an in-person tech community in less than a year.
Speaker & panelist
Spoke at American University and participated in panels on AI, community building, and self-teaching.
AI workshops
Host hands-on AI workshops teaching people how to use and build with artificial intelligence.
Chapter Organizer, AI Collective — Baltimore
Organizing the Baltimore chapter of AI Collective, bringing AI builders together locally.
Founder, Baltimore Tech Week
Created the first ever Baltimore Tech Week — bringing the city's tech community together for a week of events, panels, and connection.
Mission
To make AI accessible to everyone — through education, community, and real-world building. I want to empower people to develop skills, unlock new career pathways, and build things that matter with artificial intelligence.
Vision
A world where every city — regardless of size or resources — has the talent, infrastructure, and community support needed to become a thriving hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.
What Drives Me
Unlocking talent. Expanding opportunity.
Access
I remove barriers to entry in AI by providing free and low-cost resources, mentorship, and community support to anyone ready to grow.
Innovation
I support emerging builders, aspiring founders, creatives, and problem-solvers who want to shape the future with AI — not just watch it happen.
Economic Mobility
I build direct pathways from community to career, strengthening local economies and transforming overlooked cities into hubs of opportunity.