
Mark Anderson
995
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Mark Anderson
995
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I’m an honors student at Howard University majoring in Computer Information Systems, where I’m exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and business innovation. My passion lies in using technology to solve problems that impact underserved communities, especially issues that are often overlooked or stigmatized.
One of my most meaningful projects is a startup I’m developing that uses AI-powered responsive journaling to support the mental health of Black men. This idea grew out of what I’ve seen in my own community—friends, family, and peers struggling silently with emotional pain because mental health is too often misunderstood or ignored. In many spaces, especially among young Black men, vulnerability is seen as weakness. I want to challenge that by building a tool that feels accessible, culturally aware, and empowering.
Outside of tech, I’m also a freelance photographer based in the Boston area and Washington, DC. I'm a part of Models of the Mecca, Inc., where I take part in photo and video shoots demonstrating and showing black excellence. Through photography, I tell stories that reflect the strength, emotion, and creativity in the people around me.
Whether it’s through a camera lens or a line of code, my mission remains the same: to create systems and stories that make people feel seen, supported, and capable of change.
Education
Howard University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Management Information Systems and Services
GPA:
4
Roxbury Latin School
High SchoolGPA:
3.5
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Career
Dream career field:
Investment Management
Dream career goals:
I gathered and analyzed donor data over 4 fiscal years and identified donation trends.
Dimock Center2021 – 20221 year
Sports
Soccer
Club2020 – 20233 years
Arts
Markleonphotography
Photographymarkleonpjotography.com2022 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Tech Tutoring — Helper2020 – 2024
Juanita Robinson English Book Scholarship
One social issue that deeply resonates with me is the mental health crisis, especially amongst Black men, who are often overlooked in discussions about mental health care. When doing research into black men's mental health I found that black men are more likely to experience severe psychosis than other men. They also often see mental health as a sign of weakness and do not always want to speak to a person to get the help they need. This is the reason that I decided to try to develop Harmony AI, an AI-powered responsive journaling app designed to help reduce the stigma around mental health, especially in the black community, and help make access to mental help more widespread.
Throughout my career, I dream of taking part in more projects like Harmony AI, identifying pressing problems, especially in my community, and using groundbreaking technology to help create change. I envision continuing to develop Harmony AI as the mental health issue continues to grow and as AI continues to evolve. I believe that the automation of processes such as simple therapy and responsive journaling can add a lot of help to mental health disparities.
My community service experiences have further fueled my passion for social good. I Organized volunteer drives at the Dimock Center and engaged in tech tutoring for the elderly. These experiences have shown me the impact of service and the importance of addressing unmet needs in the community. Tech tutoring is an example of an underrepresented problem that needs help in our world. The elderly do not always understand how newer technology works and because of this they are very susceptible to hackers and scammers. As technology evolves, and people can use it to imitate voices and even faces, the people who do not understand the technology are at risk of losing a lot.
In the long run, I hope to be an entrepreneur who leads technology-based businesses that prioritize social impact. My goal is to create a legacy where innovation is based on the priority of helping the greater good, ensuring that technological advancements are designed with the well-being of individuals in mind. I am particularly inspired by the potential of AI to transform health care and many other fields. I believe that with the right team and resources, initiatives like Harmony AI can make a significant difference.
Howard University's commitment to fostering diverse leadership and its focus on service aligns perfectly with my aspirations. I am excited to be a part of the vibrant Howard community, contributing my experiences, and learning from others who share my dedication to social justice and innovation. The university’s emphasis on addressing systemic inequalities and promoting mental health aligns with my core values and the values I hope to prioritize when it comes to business.
In conclusion, addressing the mental health crisis among Black men is a cause that I am deeply passionate about. Through my career, I hope to develop and implement technological solutions that make mental health care more accessible, effective, and culturally sensitive. By integrating my technical skills with a strong sense of social responsibility, I aim to create a meaningful impact that echoes Howard's values of leadership, service, and excellence.