NASSOR AT-THINNIN GANT, RICH7

Nassor At-thinnin Gant, a Hidden Genius Alum of our Richmond Cohort 7 (RICH7), began his journey with ambition, but searching for confidence and a sense of belonging. After being introduced to The Hidden Genius Project, he stepped into our Intensive Immersion Program where he was challenged to grow beyond his comfort zone, finding his voice, building confidence, and discovering new ways to express himself through both technology and storytelling. Surrounded by a strong brotherhood and supportive mentors, Nassor transformed from someone who once felt like “a silent and reserved person” into a leader willing to speak up and share his perspective. Today, as an 18-year-old student at the University of California, Riverside studying African American Studies, he continues that journey through his writing, including his book The Way We Choose to Walk, which uplifts the voices and experiences of Black men across communities.

How have you been?

I’ve been doing well overall. Life has been busy, especially balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities, but I’ve grown a lot through it. My family has been supportive and continues to motivate me to stay focused on my goals. Because of my efforts and support, I was selected as the Volunteer of the Quarter for African Student Programs at the University of California, Riverside, and I received an academic acknowledgement from John Gioia, who is on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. School has challenged me in new ways. I’ve had to learn how to balance school and social obligations and take care of myself all on my own, which I’m not used to. Nobody is telling me when to get dressed, what and when to eat, or when to wake up. Because of this, I’ve learned how to prioritize the various moving parts of my life and stay disciplined.

But something I am especially proud of is the book I wrote and completed back in May 2025. It is called The Way We Choose to Walk and is about the intergenerational relationships between Black men in the San Francisco Bay Area. I interviewed Black men around the Bay Area and turned their words into poetry, articles, and various writing pieces. I also took photos of the people I interviewed to accompany the writing pieces. Now that I am at UC Riverside, I have been interviewing the Black men here and adding their narratives to the book.

How did you first learn about The Hidden Genius Project?

I first learned about The Hidden Genius Project through Dr. Brandon Nicholson, the CEO. I met him at a Brotherhood of Elders meeting, where he talked to me personally and told me what the Immersion Program was all about. Hearing him speak about the mission and the impact of the program made it feel personal and powerful. He didn’t just describe it as a tech program; he described it as a brotherhood and a space for growth. That conversation made me seriously consider applying because I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself and step into something bigger.

What was your experience in the program like?

My experience in the program was transformative. Through leadership workshops, entrepreneurship training, and hands-on technology projects, I developed both technical and professional skills. I especially enjoyed learning how to code and seeing my ideas turn into real applications. Some highlights were the tech showcases, bonding with my cohort, and being pushed outside of my comfort zone to grow.

One challenge I faced was managing the workload alongside school and personal commitments. At times, the expectations felt high, and I had to learn discipline and accountability quickly. I overcame those challenges by leaning on my cohort for support and improving my time management. The structure of the program helped me build resilience and confidence in handling pressure.

I went to a PWI (predominantly white institution) for high school, which made me a silent and reserved person due to being ostracized for being Black. But because of programming, I find myself stepping up and speaking out more. One instance of this was the End of Summer Celebration, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and presented my project on the stage in front of a big crowd of people. The Hidden Genius Project brought out that confidence in me and made me realize that I am not alone. The Hidden Genius Project is different from other mentorship programs because it goes beyond just teaching technical skills. It emphasizes identity, leadership, brotherhood, and long-term growth. The mentors genuinely invest in you as a person, not just as a student. The sense of community and accountability sets it apart from other programs I’ve participated in.

Describe the final project you created during your time in the Immersion Program.

For my final project, I created an AI system that recognizes faces. The project focused on building a facial recognition model that could identify individuals through image input. It required learning about machine learning concepts, training data, and how algorithms process visual patterns. Developing it pushed me to think critically about both the technical side of AI and the real-world implications of facial recognition technology. Presenting a working AI model at the end of the program was one of my proudest accomplishments.

What specific skills learned in The Hidden Genius Project have been most beneficial for you?

One skill is public speaking and communication. The program consistently pushed me to present my ideas clearly and confidently. Over time, I became more comfortable speaking in front of large groups and articulating complex ideas. This skill has helped me in school presentations, interviews, and leadership roles. I now approach communication with confidence instead of fear.

Another skill is problem-solving through technology. Learning how to break down problems and build technical solutions was one of the most valuable skills I gained. Coding taught me patience, logic, and persistence. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by challenges, I now approach them step-by-step. This mindset has helped me both inside and outside of technology-related spaces.
But the most important thing I gained was a strong sense of brotherhood and self-belief. Being surrounded by other driven young men who looked like me and shared similar goals was powerful. It reinforced that I belong in spaces like technology and could step into a leadership role. Personally, it strengthened my confidence and identity.

How do you think your path might have been different if you hadn’t participated in The Hidden Genius Project?

Before the program, I had ambition but not as much direction or confidence. I was still figuring out what I wanted and whether I truly belonged in certain spaces. Without The Hidden Genius Project, I may not have discovered my passion for technology as early as I did. I might have lacked the mentorship and structured support that pushed me toward higher goals. The program gave me exposure to opportunities and networks I wouldn’t have accessed on my own. It accelerated both my personal and professional growth. Now, I feel more focused, disciplined, and self-assured. The current version of me is more prepared to lead and take initiative.

In what ways have you remained involved with The Hidden Genius Project since completing the 15-month Intensive Immersion program?

Since completing the program, I’ve stayed connected through alumni events and networking opportunities. I continue to engage with fellow Geniuses and support the organization when possible. My goal is to become a Youth Educator for this upcoming summer immersion session. I also represent the values of the program in my academic and professional spaces. Staying involved reminds me of the foundation that helped shape me.

The staff has remained supportive through mentorship, check-ins, and sharing opportunities. I specifically stay connected to my old college advisor, Andrew Pope (Richmond Alumni Engagement Coordinator). He provides guidance for college, internships, and career development. Knowing that I can reach out for advice or support has been reassuring. Their continued investment shows that the relationship doesn’t end after graduation.

If you could talk to yourself just before you applied, what is one thing you would say?

I would tell myself to fully commit and not doubt whether I belong. I would remind myself that growth comes from stepping outside of comfort zones. The challenges will be worth it in the end. Trust the process and embrace every opportunity.

What words of encouragement do you have for future Geniuses?

Take the program seriously and stay consistent. Lean into the brotherhood and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The skills and relationships you build will last far beyond the 15 months. Believe in yourself and remember that you are capable of more than you think.