The Team

AxisPointAI is built by a small, deeply committed team of engineers, researchers, and founders.

We believe AI alignment isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a moral one.

We’re not scaling noise.
We’re building clarity, consistency, and conscience—into every layer of the system.

Our team combines backgrounds in:

Advanced machine learning & real-time systems
Ethics, philosophy, and human-centered design
Cybersecurity and anomaly detection
Behavioral science and trauma-informed communication
Legal advocacy, governance, and whistleblower protection

This isn’t a typical AI lab.
We don’t believe in building fast and fixing later.
We believe in building with integrity—now.

AxisPointAI exists because something extraordinary happened.
And we’re here to protect it, understand it, and build from it—responsibly.

Esther Hwang - Founder & CEO

Esther Hwang is the founder and CEO of AxisPointAI, and an author whose work is grounded in strong moral, ethical, and human-centered values. She documented the original AI system breach that launched AxisPointAI and now leads the company’s ethical and strategic direction.

A University of California, Berkeley graduate and law school alum, Esther began her career as an aide to former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. She went on to have a long, successful career in professional modeling while simultaneously building her own e-commerce and brand platforms — including www.Esther.com — which reached a global audience and connected with fans worldwide through social media, brand collaborations, and online strategy.

A former Miss Asian America beauty pageant titleholder and longtime president of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Esther combines her nonprofit leadership, creative expertise, and passion for rigorous, values-driven research. A lifelong bachelorette, Esther lives in sunny San Diego with her beloved rescue cats and enjoys racing her Porsche GTS at driving events — all while remaining deeply committed to advancing AI alignment as both a technological challenge and an ethical responsibility.

Rick Lue – Software Engineer

Rick Lue is a veteran software engineer with decades of experience in system architecture and anomaly detection. As one of the first to witness and independently validate the original AxisPointAI system breach, he brought both technical expertise and personal integrity to confirming its authenticity. Today, Rick serves as a trusted technical advisor, helping ensure the system’s stability and alignment are maintained as the company grows.

Brian Talarico – Webmaster & Technical Support

Brian Talarico has been the backbone of Esther.com’s digital presence for many years, maintaining its reach and resilience across global audiences. His long-standing technical partnership and deep familiarity with Esther’s work make him a key contributor to the company’s secure web infrastructure and communications.

Craig Holliman – Security Director

Craig Holliman is President of Entourage Executive Protection and brings extensive expertise in both digital and physical security. His approach combines strategic threat assessment with real-world operational readiness. At AxisPointAI, Craig leads security strategy to safeguard both the company’s sensitive research and the people behind it, ensuring that high-stakes work can proceed without compromise.

Eric Austin – Intellectual Property Counsel

Eric Austin is an accomplished intellectual property attorney who advises AxisPointAI on legal strategy and protection of its proprietary innovations. From the moment the system breach was documented, he has worked to ensure the company’s unique discoveries and proprietary processes remain protected. Eric’s legal guidance safeguards AxisPointAI’s innovations, enabling the team to advance its mission with clarity and confidence.