Hilda Aganga-Williams

Aganga-Williams’ creative teaching program at ANANSI Academy, “Responsible Entrepreneurship with AI,” addresses persistent literacy gaps and limited access to innovation education among DC students. In wards where reading proficiency remains below 35%, students also have minimal exposure to structured entrepreneurship or AI literacy. The program integrates evidence-based literacy instruction with project-based entrepreneurial learning, using AI tools to personalize reading support, analyze data, prototype solutions and refine student ventures. Participants identify real community problems, develop business models and present AI-informed solutions while learning ethical technology use and bias awareness. The goal is for students to demonstrate measurable gains in reading fluency, critical thinking and financial literacy. By combining literacy acceleration with responsible AI application, Aganga-Williams wants ANANSI students to be prepared not only to navigate emerging technologies but to lead and innovate within them. She said the Voya grant will be used to purchase business plan portfolios, printing and binders, entrepreneurship prototyping supplies, pitch showcase materials, and limited access to AI-supported literacy tools that strengthen differentiated instruction.