Take a minute to meet the founders and learn the story behind the journey of GRITS.
2016
Sevetri and Sheena share more than just a passion for entrepreneurship—they’ve lived parallel journeys that connect them on multiple levels. Both are among the small but mighty group of Black women who have raised millions in venture capital for their startups. Both have successfully bootstrapped companies, hail from the South (Sevetri from Hammond, LA, and Sheena from Terry, MS), and both are proud Pisces. Their similarities don’t stop there, and after meeting in 2016, it was clear they were destined to collaborate.
As Sevetri and Sheena transitioned from their respective startups—Sevetri from Resilia and Sheena from CapWay (listen to episodes 1 and 2 of their Rich Lessons podcast for the full story)—they saw an opportunity to combine their expertise and create something impactful. The result? GRITS: Girls Raised In The South, a community launched in 2025.
GRITS is more than a name; it’s a nod to their Southern roots and shared experiences. While the community welcomes anyone, regardless of gender or location, the name reflects the resilience, grit, and determination that defines both its founders and its mission.
Fast Forward
Sevetri Wilson Taylor
“Don’t let your highs get so high you can’t touch the ground, or your lows so low you can’t see the heavens.”
Sevetri Wilson Taylor is a trailblazing entrepreneur and leader in technology currently focused on creating innovative solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges facing U.S. cities. Her work leverages artificial intelligence and big data to drive smarter decision-making, streamline service delivery, and centralize operations for greater efficiency and impact.
With over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, business, and societal transformation, Sevetri has consistently worked to create solutions that drive meaningful change and foster innovation.
Previously, Sevetri founded Resilia, a technology company where she made history by raising $50 million in venture capital in 2022—the largest funding round ever secured by a solo Black woman founder and the largest by a woman founder in the South before exiting that company in 2023.
In 2021 her book, Resilient, became an instant Wall Street Journal bestseller, offering valuable insights into her journey as a founder. Sevetri’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades. She has been recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s 100 Female Founders building transformative companies and was featured in PitchBook’s list of 27 leading Black founders and investors. In 2022, Entrepreneur magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential Women, and Black Enterprise Magazine included her in their 40 Under 40 list.
A dual-degree graduate of LSU, Sevetri is also an Aspen Institute Henry Crown Fellow and serves on several prestigious boards, including the National Urban League Board of Trustees, the NOCCA Foundation, and the LSU Foundation National Board. She is also an active angel investor, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in over two dozen companies.
Sheena Allen
“My focus is proving myself right, not anyone else wrong. ”
Sheena Allen is a visionary entrepreneur, international speaker, author, and creative architect committed to driving innovation and empowering others through technology and beyond.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2011, during her senior year at the University of Southern Mississippi, when she founded Sheena Allen Apps. Starting as a non-technical founder with a single idea, she bootstrapped the company into a successful mobile app studio, achieving millions of downloads across five apps—all of which ranked in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This success inspired her to launch App It Out in 2024, a company dedicated to helping non-technical aspiring app creators and small businesses turn their app ideas into reality.
In 2019, Sheena founded her second venture, CapWay, a fintech company dedicated to financial inclusion. By combining digital banking, payments, and culturally relevant financial education, CapWay has become a powerful force in bridging the gap for the financially underserved. Under Sheena’s leadership, CapWay raised millions in venture capital, making her the youngest woman in the U.S. to own and operate a digital bank—a groundbreaking milestone for Black women in tech.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Sheena is an accomplished author and filmmaker. She is the author of The Starting Guide, which chronicles her journey as a non-technical founder while providing actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. She has also been featured in She Started It, a documentary about women entrepreneurs, and a 2022 short documentary by Google as part of its Black Women in Tech series.
Born and raised in Terry, Mississippi, Sheena holds degrees in Psychology and Film from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her work has been recognized by Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Business Insider, among others. She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Inc. Under 30 honoree, a Business Insider Under 30 Innovator, and a recipient of the Maggie Lena Walker Emerging Leader Award.
Sheena continues to lead with purpose and inspire through innovation.
Ready for more?
Explore more opportunities our community has to offer.
Rich Lessons Podcast
The Rich Lessons podcast with Sevetri and Sheena, powered by GRITS, brings real talk and valuable lessons on business, life, and more to fuel your journey.
Executive Coaching
Participate in live, weekly sessions led by Sevetri and Sheena. These interactive classes not only provide expert guidance but also allow you to connect and collaborate with fellow participants.
Newsletters
Our exclusive newsletter includes insider tips, valuable resources, and opportunities you won’t find on our social media or public pages. Curated to support your growth and success.