By: Elena Mart

In an era where algorithms often make decisions faster than the human mind can process, the idea of technology having a heart might seem unusual. However, for Janice Kephart, CEO of Identity Strategy Partners and founder of ZipID, this is far from an abstract concept – it is a guiding principle.

Her entry into the intricate world of identity and biometrics did not begin with an app or a startup – it began with tragedy. In 1993, Janice’s brother-in-law was among the victims of the World Trade Center bombing. His death, a result of smoke inhalation complications, not only caused deep personal loss but also sparked a lifelong mission: to understand how systems designed to protect lives could sometimes fail. This mission would take her from the halls of Washington, D.C., as counsel to both the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the 9/11 Commission, to the tech-forward world of entrepreneurial innovation, where she would aim to not just secure identities but also uphold them.

Humanizing Biometric Technology for Employers

For many, biometric technology may evoke images of surveillance and cold, impersonal scanning. Yet, Janice sees it differently. “Technology should serve the person, not the other way around,” she explains. This philosophy lies at the heart of ZipID, her compliance-based platform that seeks to redefine the employer experience of identity verification.

For employers, the process of onboarding new hires can often mean dealing with outdated systems, cumbersome forms, and an ongoing risk of non-compliance. ZipID aims to change that. By working closely with former government officials, ZipID offers a proprietary workflow that requires no prior knowledge of the Form I-9 to maintain compliance.

Designed to simplify the Form I-9 process, ZipID enhances confidence between employers and their new hires. It features secure biometric verification, reduces human error, minimizes audit risk, and ensures a consistent, transparent view of compliance activities across all employer locations and users.

“We’re not just solving a paperwork issue – we’re addressing a trust issue,” Janice explains. ZipID empowers HR teams to verify identities with both speed and accuracy, all while ensuring a user-friendly experience that respects both the employer’s time and the employee’s dignity.

Trust as Technology’s Greatest Asset

“In government, I saw the breakdowns – how data was misused, how people’s personal information became a liability instead of a strength,” Janice reflects. This experience profoundly shaped her view on the role of technology in society: trust cannot be built solely through policy – it must be cultivated through thoughtful design.

With ZipID, Janice has embedded a core principle: Trust First. Data is encrypted end-to-end, stored securely, and handled with strict compliance measures. However, beyond these technical safeguards, her team places a strong emphasis on the human experience. For employers, this means confidence – knowing that their systems are compliant, their people are protected, and their brand reputation is preserved.

A Vision for the Future of Work and Identity

While ZipID is already transforming how businesses manage I-9 compliance, Janice’s vision extends well beyond just onboarding paperwork. She envisions a future where employee identity verification is not only frictionless and mobile-friendly but also profoundly secure. “I want companies to stop viewing compliance as a burden and begin seeing it as an asset,” she says.

Her approach is particularly timely as remote and hybrid workforces continue to grow. Employers need identity solutions that can scale across distributed teams without compromising trust or security. With ZipID, they receive not only a product but a partner in compliance.

Leading with Heart, Innovating for Employers

For Janice, entrepreneurship is more than just solving problems – it’s about serving people. Every line of code developed at ZipID is crafted with a singular aim: to make identity protection both secure and humane, for individuals as well as organizations.

“If technology doesn’t improve life for both the employer and the employee,” she notes, “then what is its purpose?”

Janice Kephart is shaping a new standard in biometric verification – not only through innovation but also with purpose. Under her guidance, technology becomes more than just efficient; it becomes ethical, employer-centric, and deeply human.

For forward-thinking companies, ZipID offers more than a compliance solution. It provides a strategic advantage – an opportunity to simplify hiring, reduce risk, and foster trust at every level of the organization.