Automatic Door Opener

Pierre PAul

At just 23 years old, Pierre Paul has a crystal clear entrepreneurial vision. Rooted in helping make the world more accessible. He is the founder and CEO of “We Hear You,” a startup company that develops creative technology to aid individuals with disabilities.

Founded in 2019, the company is currently developing two inventions. The first is a two-way sign language translation software that can translate American Sign Language (ASL) into English through hand recognition technology. The second is a wearable device, PushTM, that turns accessible doors into automatic doors with the push of a personal button.

“With the creation of PushTM, we will be giving the power back to individuals who have lost some of their autonomy. Our product has the ability to not only increase comfortability on college campuses for those with exceptionalities but will also aid universities in being more ADA compliant," Pierre says.

Born in Brazil, Pierre’s family moved to Guyana during his childhood before settling in the United States.

“I faced extreme xenophobia, racism, and, poverty at a young age. Through it all, I decided to perfect my English and public speaking ability in order to someday be a voice for those who need help,” Pierre says. ”Helping others prosper is ingrained in my DNA and I try to bring that to everything I do.”

When Pierre is not working on his company, he serves as the Community Engagement and Family Programs Coordinator at the Peoria Riverfront Museum in Peoria, Illinois. He also volunteers as a mentor for students, gives public speaking lessons to people in his community, and creates educational history videos for a local PBS station.