“Dismantling gatekeeping systems by building alternative infrastructure that democratizes access to innovation resources, ensuring brilliant ideas succeed based on merit rather than connections, guided by Christ in all efforts.”
Wesley Stevens is a pioneering force at the intersection of artificial intelligence, software development, and ethical innovation. With over a decade of professional experience, he has continuously transformed complex challenges into scalable, meaningful solutions. His journey, characterized by a fierce dedication to meritocratic innovation and grounded leadership, spans defense, fintech, education, and software sectors. Today, as Founder and CEO of Quillify, he leads a groundbreaking AI venture that accelerates funding for businesses and institutions—empowering them to thrive without reliance on traditional gatekeeping mechanisms.
Wesley’s career began in the high-stakes world of defense technology, where he served as a Machine Learning Researcher for the Department of Defense through SRC. During this tenure, he engineered novel AI neural network architectures for military applications, focusing on computer vision and satellite systems. His contributions helped achieve record-breaking results in computer vision algorithms, enhancing operational efficiency by up to 90% for critical government systems. These experiences not only sharpened his technical acuity but also deepened his belief in building ethical, transparent, and secure AI frameworks.
He transitioned this expertise into the private sector with remarkable finesse, serving as a Machine Learning Engineer at Scorpion, where he pioneered reinforcement learning systems that drastically optimized digital advertising strategies. His innovations directly saved clients millions of dollars in misallocated marketing funds and boosted qualified lead generation by 75%. Moreover, he developed and led workforce retraining programs that prepared employees for an AI-integrated future, a testament to his foresight and commitment to inclusive tech empowerment.
Wesley’s impact expanded globally when he assumed the role of AI Cloud Architect at TenXEngage, formally Rewards Cloud. There, he designed and deployed ethical AI infrastructures for industry giants such as Google and Cisco. His ability to streamline CI/CD pipelines, reduce API runtime from 20 minutes to under a second, and integrate cloud microservices with enterprise platforms like Salesforce illustrated not only technical brilliance but also strategic business alignment. Through these roles, Wesley honed his capacity to lead multicultural teams and deploy global solutions that balance innovation with responsibility.
In 2023, Wesley launched Quillify, an AI-driven SaaS company that redefines how organizations access capital. Built from the ground up, Quillify leverages AI agents to autonomously identify and write grants—delivering results 7x faster than traditional methods. Under his leadership, the company has facilitated over $5 million in funding for clients across industries, including businesses, nonprofits, and top-tier research universities. Wesley’s venture represents more than commercial success; it is a manifestation of his mission to remove systemic barriers to innovation.
Wesley’s drive to reinvent systems of opportunity stems from personal experience. As he puts it:
“When you’ve felt the sting of rejection not because your ideas weren’t good enough, but because you couldn’t navigate the labyrinth fast enough—you build differently. You build bridges where you once found walls.”
This philosophy not only powers Quillify but also informs his strategic role on the Board of Directors at EnCor. There, he offers guidance on the ethical use of AI and technology at scale, advancing his commitment to democratizing access to opportunity.
Earlier in his entrepreneurial journey, Wesley developed the product line for LuvAire, a 3D printing startup focused on personalized scent diffusion products. The company was acquired by Scentsy in 2015, marking a significant early milestone in his track record of innovation and execution.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Wesley is a thought leader and advocate for responsible AI. As one of only four individuals in 82 years to keynote at the Council of Instruction for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, he brings credibility and inspiration to academic and professional audiences alike. He frequently shares insights on LinkedIn and other platforms, helping demystify AI for diverse stakeholders and championing equitable access to technology.
Wesley’s academic pedigree includes a Master of Science in Data Science from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Science in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Brigham Young University, where he also completed a minor in Computer Science. His academic journey laid the foundation for his deep understanding of data architecture, statistical modeling, and algorithmic integrity. It also cemented his unique ability to quickly dissect and assess AI product architectures—ensuring their deployment is ethical, unbiased, and effective.
A family-oriented individual with a passion for 3D printing, drones, rock climbing, disc golf, and robotics, Wesley embodies the rare blend of technical prowess and human-centered leadership. He is driven not by prestige, but by purpose—committed to the success of others and the belief that innovation should be an open field, not a gated community.
His experiences with both failure and success have deeply informed his leadership style. Having bootstrapped ventures and navigated complex enterprise landscapes, Wesley brings empathy, resilience, and clarity to every challenge he faces. He does not shy away from risk—instead, he seeks to transform uncertainty into opportunity, often acting as a catalyst for organizational reinvention.
Wesley is not just building technologies—he is building legacies. By enabling organizations to harness the power of AI without compromising ethics, and by championing a merit-based model of success, he is reshaping the narrative of who gets to innovate and how. As technology continues to redefine industries, Wesley Stevens stands at the forefront—rooted in faith, inspired by equity, and relentless in his pursuit of open-access innovation.
Character:
Wesley exemplifies unwavering integrity in his pursuit of democratized innovation, guided by a deep sense of faith and service. He remains grounded in values that prioritize equity, ethics, and genuine impact over personal gain.
Knowledge:
With over a decade of hands-on experience in AI, SaaS, and full-stack software development, Wesley is a recognized expert whose insights span both technical depth and business strategy. His academic background and applied research continue to influence the evolution of ethical AI systems.
Strategic:
Wesley consistently demonstrates the ability to see around corners—whether launching AI ventures, building cloud infrastructure, or advising on grant automation. His ventures are not only technically advanced but also designed with systemic transformation in mind.
Communication:
As a keynote speaker and advisor, Wesley communicates complex ideas with clarity and inspiration. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring, enabling teams and clients to grow with confidence.
