Meet Coach Rene Daughtry | Coaching our youth to be the best they can be in mind and spirit

We had the good fortune of connecting with Coach Rene Daughtry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coach Rene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Recognizing a prevalent lack of technical awareness and education within underserved communities across urban and rural counties in North Carolina, I founded Aisymmetry approximately a decade ago. Our organization specializes in conducting Lego robotics, scratch coding, and mini drone workshops, as well as creating STEM educational curricula tailored for youth-based non-profit organizations, schools, summer camps, and churches. Additionally, I observed a dearth of representation of individuals who resemble me within the technical field. In my capacity as a coach at Aisymmetry, I actively engage young individuals who may initially lack interest in robotics and coding, or who may not possess the requisite verbal and written skills to participate fully. To address this, I employ a distinctive approach that utilizes presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to showcase the technology, thereby rendering it more accessible and engaging for participants. Embracing the identity of “Coach Rene Daughtry,” I position myself as a mentor and positive influence in the realms of coding, robotics, and healthy lifestyle choices. Through this I’ve observed enhanced trust and a heightened level of respect from the youth. My belief in empowering our youth through robotics and STEM education underscores my commitment to innovation, education, and community development. The combination of strategic thinking and my ability to connect with young people has yielded significant strides in bridging the gap in technical education and inspiring future generations. I inform my students that engineering is nothing more than problem-solving and critical thinking.

What should our readers know about your business?
The cornerstone of my journey, particularly in achieving success with my brand, lies in the realization of my passion—giving back to my community, nurturing the minds and empowering of my youth. This passion evolved into a mission, one that drove the creation of Aisymmetry—a platform not only for myself but for like-minded individuals who share the desire to uplift, educate, and prepare the next generation for the opportunities that await them. It dawned on me that this was more than just a venture; it was my purpose. I firmly believe that I was placed on this Earth to be an educator, to empower young minds to strive for excellence and seize every opportunity within their grasp. My aim is to expose everyone I encounter to the possibilities available, provided they remain true to themselves, apply diligence and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Finding one’s passion, mission, and purpose brings a profound sense of peace—personally, I find solace in knowing that I am fulfilling my calling each day. As I continue to journey down this path, I find contentment in the knowledge that I am aligning my actions with my true purpose, which enables me to rest easy at night, knowing that I am fulfilling my destiny and mission.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for preserving one’s mental well-being. There was a time when I would relentlessly devote myself to work, neglecting my own needs. However, I soon realized that true effectiveness requires moments of disconnection, relaxation, and introspection. By prioritizing self-care, family, and work in that order, I recognized that if I’m not functioning well, I can’t effectively support others. In pursuit of this balance, my wife and I prioritize regular date nights. Whether it’s a cozy dinner, a movie outing, or our favorite, live jazz concerts, we ensure to carve out time for each other amidst life’s demands. Fortunately, the North Carolina area, particularly the Triangle, offers a vibrant jazz scene. We relish the opportunity to visit the local jazz clubs, where we can unwind, reconnect, and immerse ourselves in the soulful melodies. These outings not only rejuvenate us but also strengthen our bond as a couple, fostering a deeper connection to both each other and the music we love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am from the vibrant streets of the boogie down Bronx, New York, where my upbringing in the projects instilled in me a profound appreciation for education as the cornerstone of success. Despite our humble beginnings, my mother always emphasized the importance of academic pursuit, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life’s journey. My Mom a single mother God Bless her soul was my mom , my dad, my teacher, my preacher, my warden and my executioner (she was no nonsense Mother). She said we’re black, poor and education is the way to success.  One pivotal figure who shaped my academic path was a mentor and family friend Mr. Everette Marius whom we affectionately called “the Professor.” He ignited my curiosity in math and science, constantly encouraging me to delve deeper, to question the world around me. “Why” became my mantra—why do things work the way they do? Why do the stars shine in the sky? Why does the sun rise and set, guiding the Earth’s orbit? These inquiries fueled my passion and remained at the core of my drive today.
Although engineering wasn’t initially on my career of choice, my love for math and science, coupled with the guidance of my mentor, steered me into the realm of engineering. Yet, even as I navigated this new terrain, my roots remained firmly planted in my community. I leveraged my engineering expertise to inspire the next generation, to ignite in them the same love for math and science that had propelled me forward.
Today, as I witness the rapid evolution of technology, my thirst for knowledge remains unquenched. I am continually awed by the intricacies of artificial intelligence (AI), driven by the relentless pursuit of understanding its inner workings. How does it function? Why does it function as it does? And, most importantly, how can it be harnessed to benefit society and pave the way for further innovation?
In essence, my journey—from the streets of the Bronx to the frontiers of engineering—is a testament to the power of curiosity, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to giving back to the community that raised me. And as I continue to explore the ever-expanding horizons of technology, I remain guided by one simple yet profound question: why?

Website: https://aisymmetry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renedaughtry/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renedaughtry/

Twitter: @RDaughtry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aisymmetry

Image Credits
My images