
Founder's Speech
Hello, I’m Ashley Jenkins, the founder of SAYF—Define Your Space.
The idea for SAYF came from my own experiences navigating unfamiliar cities, often unsure if the spaces I entered would be welcoming or safe for someone like me. I quickly realized I wasn’t alone—many people face similar uncertainty when it comes to where they live, work, or connect socially.
That’s why I created SAYF, a personalized safety platform designed to empower communities through shared, identity-aware data. We’re building an app that uses algorithmic intelligence to recommend spaces based on real stories, safety indicators, and inclusivity filters—so users can find spots that feel not only secure, but seen.
SAYF is more than just a guide. It’s a growing movement toward collective care and accountability. We’re developing scorecards for real businesses, collaborating with local voices, and creating a new tech category—Identity-Aware Local Intelligence—to ensure that safety is redefined from the ground up.
Whether you’re looking for a café that respects all identities, or a business that supports inclusion, SAYF helps you find it. Because safety isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about belonging.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to build safer, smarter, and more inclusive communities—together.