From Section 8 to Systems Change.

The Foundation: Growing Up in Section 8

Dr. Troy Nash didn't come from money. He grew up in Section 8 housing in Kansas City, Missouri, raised by a single mother with six children. The family bounced between public housing projects: Holy Temple Homes and Friendship Village Apartments, never quite sure how long they'd stay in one place.

Labeled "at-risk" early in life and told he wasn't college material, Troy discovered the United States Air Force as a teenager, a decision that changed everything. The Air Force gave him discipline, direction, and access to education.

But Troy didn't stop there. He transformed that determination into an extraordinary educational journey, earning eight degrees, with a ninth in progress, that give him unique perspective on the challenges facing overlooked communities:

This isn't academic credential collecting. It's intentional preparation. With degrees spanning law, economics, political science, urban planning, public health, education and business, Dr. Nash understands technology access challenges from every angle: legal frameworks, economic barriers, policy levers, health implications, educational gaps, and implementation realities.

Before the AI Revolution: The Access Gap

Long before anyone was talking about artificial intelligence, Dr. Nash was fighting a different kind of divide, the access gap that kept hardworking families from opportunity.

When Troy returned to Kansas City after the Air Force at age 25, his first mission wasn't his own career. It was his family. He converted his mother's small house into a classroom, bought used textbooks from thrift stores, and began tutoring his three older brothers, grown men who had never imagined college was for people like them. Brothers Turn Dream Into Determination: the original story

All three brothers enrolled in college for the first time. But Troy's mother wasn't left out. At 55 years old, with Troy's support, she studied for and earned her GED. Then she enrolled in college herself, the woman who had spent her whole life working low-wage jobs to keep her boys fed was finally getting her chance.

When she passed away in 2003, she was a junior in college. The University of Missouri-Kansas City posthumously awarded her a degree. Troy accepted that degree on her behalf.

Making History: Shattering Glass Ceilings

Dr. Nash didn't just overcome personal barriers. He shattered institutional ones. After serving on the Kansas City City Council (1999-2007) as Vice Chair and then Chair (2003-2007) of Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development, presiding over nearly $10 billion in development, he entered the private sector.

At Newmark Zimmer, one of the region's most prestigious commercial real estate firms, Nash made history as the first African American to become a partner in a top 10 commercial real estate firm in the history of the State of Missouri.

This wasn't luck. It was the result of mentorship from commercial real estate veteran Hugh J. Zimmer, relentless preparation, and the understanding that breaking barriers isn't just about personal achievement. It's about opening doors for everyone who comes next.

Understanding Every Community: Urban, Rural, and Suburban

The AI revolution isn't just an urban issue. It's affecting everyone.

In urban centers, families in public housing face the same digital isolation Dr. Nash experienced growing up, except now the stakes are higher. AI literacy will determine who gets jobs, who gets healthcare, who participates in the economy.

In rural communities, the infrastructure gap is even wider. Dr. Nash has worked with communities from Williston, North Dakota to rural Missouri. But these communities will be transformed by AI whether they're ready or not.

In struggling suburban communities, middle-class families watch as their children fall behind. They did everything "right": moved to the suburbs, got the house, sent kids to better schools, and now find themselves unprepared for a technological shift no one warned them about.

AGI Affinity serves all three. Because the AI readiness gap doesn't respect zip codes, and neither do we.

The AI revolution is happening whether we're ready or not. The only question is: will everyone have a seat at the table, or will we repeat the same patterns of exclusion that have defined every technological leap in American history? I've spent my whole life breaking those patterns. I'm not stopping now.

Dr. Troy Nash, CEO and Co-Founder

Two Generations, One Mission

When Dr. Nash saw the AI revolution beginning to transform every industry, he knew immediately who would be left behind: the same communities he grew up in. The same families still struggling for access. The same neighborhoods where technology feels like a foreign language.

That's when he turned to his daughter, Arielle Nash. Currently at Washington University in St. Louis and fluent in Chinese and Spanish, Arielle brings fresh perspective and implementation expertise forged on Capitol Hill, where she interned for U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II.

Together, father and daughter represent something rare: two generations united by a shared mission, combining decades of policy expertise with next-generation vision.

Why AGI Affinity ?

The name says it all. AGI represents the frontier of artificial intelligence, the transformative technology reshaping our world. Affinity represents connection, relationship, and natural alignment.

AGI Affinity exists to create affinity between overlooked communities and advanced technology. Dr. Nash isn't just a consultant. He's a bridge builder. He's walked the path from scarcity to opportunity, and now he's lighting the way for others.

What You Get

Working With AGI Affinity

Clear deliverables. Measurable outcomes. Real impact for your community.

Meet The Team

The Faces Behind the Mission

Two generations working together to ensure everyone, urban, rural, and suburban, has a fair shot in the AI era.

Our Purpose

Why We Exist. Where We're Going.

AGI Affinity was born from a simple belief: technology should lift every community, not just the ones that can afford it. Our mission and vision guide every assessment, every training, and every partnership.

Core Values

Built on Principles, Not Promises

Commitment

A Track Record of Doing the Work

AGI Affinity is one of three separately governed and separately financed organizations founded by Dr. Troy Nash. Dr. Troy Nash grew up in Section 8 housing. For more than 35 years his work has run from community development to developing affordable housing, founding a community foundation, and now ensuring no community gets left behind in the AI revolution.

This is not our first time building something that matters. It is our latest, and most urgent.

35+ Years of Community Work

Ready to See Where You Stand?

Take our free assessment to discover your own AI readiness, and get a clear path forward.

Experience & Vision

Our Experience Shapes the Future

35+ Years of Community Development Work

From affordable housing to AI readiness, our founding team brings more than 35 years of hands-on experience in community development, public service, and technology. AGI Affinity was built to channel that expertise into closing the digital access gap, one community at a time.

Source: MHDC applications for the four awarded developments (60, 57, 52 and 85 homes).

Awarded across four developments

Source: development cost as stated by The Nash Group.

Nearly $100 million in total

Source: Dr. Troy Nash’s career record.

Of community work

Source: degree record, eight completed.

Academic credentials

A Foundation of Real World Experience

Our team brings experience across housing development, public service, technology, and capacity building to every engagement.

Where We Excel

Our expertise spans the intersection of technology, community development, and social determinants, a combination rarely found in one firm.

Three Separately Governed Organizations.

Each organization addresses one layer, physical, technological or human infrastructure, under its own governance.

Ready to See What Impact Looks Like for Your Organization?

Whether you're a housing authority, healthcare system, municipality, or nonprofit, our team's experience is ready to serve your community. Let's discuss how AGI Affinity can support your approach to AI readiness.