Jose Tapia is the CEO and Co-Founder of Meru AI, a company whose mission is to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to reduce the barriers of entry while elevating the endless possibilities of solutions to critical problems. In his role, Jose helps Small Medium Enterprise companies embrace AI/ML within diverse industries including Finance, Marketing, Video Games, and Business Infrastructure. Wearing many hats, Jose participates within the full cycle of visionary and technological development. 

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from California State University, Fullerton, in 2023, Jose has hired students and marginalized community members with the purpose of providing opportunity and experience during an unforgiving technical job market. As an advocate for empowering diverse voices and perspectives, Jose continues to promote a person-first environment within the landscape of AI/ML.

Jose’s perspective in AI/ML derives from his passions and experiences outside of technology. A few of these include Drum Corps International, Esports, Fashion & Design, and Disney. Growing up, Jose was a below-average student and grew up in a difficult socioeconomic environment. Through the guidance of mentors, loved ones, and friendships, he was able to persevere and work towards building a better future.

“Building a better future in AI/ML means embracing your past, discovering new insights from diverse backgrounds, and encouraging all voices regardless of relevant experiences. New students, current leaders, and future voices will all be impacted by AI/ML, so let’s embrace it and move forward together.” 

— Jose Tapia

Feli was born in Puebla, Mexico and came to America after the loss of his Father in 1987, as the oldest in the Family he had no choice but to move to America and work hard, provide for his Family and pursuit The American Dream.

After failing a couple of Microsoft Exams, Feli was persistent and stayed focused during his internship at Biggest Financial Firm in Newport Beach Ca.  Feli worked for 6 months with no pay and was soon hired as a Computer Repair Technician (his first Position). Feli’s “can do” attitude was soon discovered and was later promoted to Systems Engineer Position in 2004, Feli was hungry for success and ready to begin an amazing Career in the TECH sector.

He is now the Senior Field Engineer & Brand Ambassador at Managed Solution (Based in San Diego Ca.) for customers in Orange, LA, and IE Counties.

Feli has a passion for the industry which he has been serving for the last 21 years with Focus in Outstanding Customer Experience, Innovation, and strong emphasis in Cloud Services, specifically systems like Office 365, Azure and other Cloud based Systems.

His recent activities include “Microsoft Community days” in Mexico City as Key-Note Speaker, Visits to Microsoft Technology Center in Irvine Ca. with low-income community students to expose them to the latest Technology developments and also working with Congress, Public Officials, and other Media Networks to impact our Future Generations.

Feli is a frequent speaker at Tech Community functions and serves as a Technology Evangelist-Ambassador for the future generations with regular guest appearances on Univision radio, Univision TV, Telemundo and other TV Networks.

Feli is currently an essential part of “Todo En Finanzas” Radio program with Manuel Ramos with a segment called: “Al Dia Con La Technologia”.

His vision: To empower the Community in the Technology Sector and lead the way to new Generations.

During the Pandemic, Feli was Invited by Microsoft and Santa Ana Ca. Mayor to promote Microsoft Initiative to create 25 Million Jobs in Tech for the Hispanic community in the United States.

Feli was recognized by City officials and US Congress for initiatives - efforts to empower the future generations.

Feli is interested in music and Aviation.

— Feli Michaca