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Today, we’re learning about a new business called Zoner.

We’re joined by two of Zoner’s three co-founders, Ashlee Okunonke and David Kema. Their fellow co-founder, Bryce Knight, wasn’t able to join us for this conversation.

Ashlee Okunonke is a senior at Manhattan University studying Computer Science and a former software engineer at ADP. She’s planning to pursue graduate school in California while continuing to build products at the intersection of data and real-world impact.

David Kema is a senior at Rutgers University (Newark), double majoring in Management Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. He describes himself as a renaissance man; curious, multifaceted, and intentional about growth while also creating spaces where people feel comfortable and truly heard.

Together, they are building Zoner from the ground up; a platform focused on helping people make clearer decisions about where to live and develop.

In this episode, we talked about:

• The memories, experiences, and entrepreneurs who inspired them along their journey
• How childhood friends became co-founders and decided to build together
• Why they chose the entrepreneurship path and how entrepreneurship was nurtured early on
• The role internships, organizations, and university experiences played in shaping their vision and partnerships
• The importance of being in the right environments and around people who challenge and support growth
• What market and product validation has looked like while building Zoner
• What it looks like bringing a startup to life from the ground up
• Whether founders should wait for the “perfect” product before putting themselves out into the public
• Representation, impact, and the importance of pouring back into the community

Conect with Zoner:

Website: https://zoner.pro

Social Media: @whatsyourzone