Seqwana Pryor and Keith Turner share their thoughts on identifying opportunities (good ideas) for new businesses – the problem/solution fit. Listeners get to explore their personal journeys from corporate America to launching their own businesses. In addition to sharing her unique experiences as a female entrepreneur, Seqwana and Keith also reflect on being entrepreneurs of color building advanced technology companies and other ventures.
Dr. Seqwana Pryor is CEO/Co-Founder of PryCor Technologies, LLC, a total engineeering and technical solutions firm, specializing in Lean Product Development & Manufacturing Operational Excellence launched in January 2016. Prior to founding PryCor, she spent more than 18+ years in corporate America in various roles in Research & Development, Marketing, Organizational Development, and Manufacturing Technology.
Dr. Pryor has a passion for youth outreach and development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She’s an active member of many civic organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Jack and Jill of America, Inc and currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Biome School, and Advisory Board of the Science and Mathematics Division, Harris-Stowe State University. Dr. Pryor holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Mathematics from Talladega College, and master’s and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.
Artis “Keith” Turner is currently President of TurnGroup Technologies, LLC, a company that he founded in April of 2002. Keith leads a staff at TurnGroup Technologies, which is a business and technology consulting firm that focuses on providing cost-effective technology solutions to companies and organizations that want to use data, websites, and mobile apps to make smarter business decisions and target their clients more effectively.
Keith was raised in St. Louis, and returned after he graduated Cum Laude from Morehouse College in 1995. Since his return to St. Louis, Keith received the 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Urban League Young Professionals. Recently, Keith was recognized at the St. Louis American Foundation’s ‘Salute to Young Leaders 2011’ as one of the 20 Business Leaders under the age of 40 that are highly active in community service. Also, in 2011, Keith completed the e200 Business Leadership program created by the Small Business Administration. In 2014, Keith completed his MBA from the prestigious Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He has also received other awards and recognition for community service and activism. Most recently, Keith’s star-up iChurch Phone Apps, LLC received a Top 10 start-up technology award from ITEN in 2015. Civic responsibility and community stewardship rank first among Keith’s ideals and objectives, and serve as primary anchors for his developing business interests.
