With networking support provided by the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the startup known as The Waters Institute is a cutting-edge organization revolutionizing the way businesses and professionals engage with artificial intelligence (AI). This company provides accessible education and implementation strategies tailored to non-technical audiences. As AI continues to shape industries and redefine job roles, The Waters Institute ensures that businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to harness AI effectively.

The Waters Institute was born out of the recognition that AI’s rapid evolution has left many feeling unprepared and disconnected from its enormous potential. According to Elroy Waters, the startup founder, “AI is advancing every day, and its impact on the workforce and businesses is undeniable.” His mission is to bridge the gap between AI developers and everyday professionals, empowering them to leverage AI for growth, efficiency, and innovation.

Through a range of specialized services, The Waters Institute caters to businesses of all sizes. Corporate AI training programs help organizations integrate AI into their workflows to enhance productivity and decision-making. For small-to-medium businesses, the Institute offers self-paced and customized AI training designed to provide personalized education and implementation support. Entrepreneurs and solopreneurs can also benefit from an AI subscription service, which provides ongoing education, live community discussions, and hands-on guidance to help startups and independent professionals stay ahead in the evolving digital space.

To be distinctive from traditional AI education programs, The Waters Institute emphasizes a practical and hands-on approach, ensuring that participants not only understand AI concepts but can also apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. Intriguingly, the Institute has no physical headquarters. It operates entirely online. This is no surprise especially in this digital landscape.

By fostering collaboration between AI developers and the broader public, the organization advocates for AI systems that reflect diverse values and needs, ensuring that technology serves as an equitable force for all and sundry.

The Institute has also benefited tremendously from the assistance provided by the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at SIUE. Typical of the SBDC, it has provided strategic connections and opportunities for the Institute of which they are most appreciative.

“Working with the SBDC has been transformative,” Elroy recounts. “Their guidance and networking support have opened doors to key speaking engagements and business expansion opportunities. Through Jo Ann, the SBDC Director, I have secured my first speaking engagement at the Women's Empowerment Summit happening in early April. This marks a significant milestone in expanding our outreach and impact.” Elroy shared.

For professionals and businesses looking to stay ahead of the AI revolution, The Waters Institute offers a clear path forward.

“AI is here to stay, and it’s our responsibility to understand and shape its role in our industries and communities,” Waters remarks. “By embracing AI education now, businesses and professionals can ensure they remain competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.”

“Elroy is very bright and determined and I have truly enjoyed working with him,” says director Jo Ann Di Maggio May. “He is extremely passionate and eager to learn so I am excited to be a part of his entrepreneurial journey.”

Waters is also proud to announce the official launch of his groundbreaking book, “The White-Collar Guide to AI Survival." It is set to release on March 31. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide equips white-collar professionals with essential strategies to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven workplace through Waters' pioneering AI-mindedness framework. The three-pillar framework—encompassing AI Sourcing and Learning, Utilizing AI at Will, and Ethical Thinking provides readers with a structured approach to develop expertise at the intersection of artificial intelligence and their profession. Designed specifically for complete beginners to AI, the book offers the exact step-by-step methodology Waters himself used to launch and skyrocket his own AI journey from novice to strategist.

What sets this guide apart is how its unconventional approach to job searching and marketability cultivates the same habits, thought processes, and frameworks essential for entrepreneurial success.

"What readers will discover as they progress through the book is something far more valuable than just career advancement,” Waters suggests. "They'll find themselves developing a completely new mindset—one that not only transforms how they approach their job search but equips them with the exact skills needed to thrive as entrepreneurs and business owners. It's a hidden pathway to true economic empowerment and security in the age of AI."

Beyond addressing common concerns about job security, the guide offers practical methods for building personal brands that showcase AI expertise and navigating competitive job markets with confidence. Waters believes that this publication would further establish The Waters Institute as a leader in accessible AI education and would offer readers a clear pathway to amplify their income and secure their professional future through strategic AI implementation.

For more information about The Waters Institute and its AI training programs, visit the website or contact Elroy Waters at elroy@watersinstitute.ai.

About The Waters Institute
The Waters Institute bridges the gap between AI developers and the public by empowering everyday people with accessible AI education and implementation training. The mission is to ensure that AI systems reflect the values and needs of diverse communities, fostering a future where technology benefits everyone. Through hands-on learning and collaborative frameworks, the Institute helps non-technical professionals become active participants in shaping AI’s impact on society. By doing so, the Institute aims to create a more inclusive and equitable AI landscape that aligns with humanity’s shared goals.

PHOTO:  Elroy Waters, founder, The Waters Institute