Exploring the Power of AI to Advance your Nonprofit Mission & Social Impact

About This Event:

Join us for a dynamic discussion on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. This kickoff event will raise awareness and inspire nonprofit leaders to explore the potential of AI in their organizations and is the beginning of our Thematic Convenings series.

About Thematic Convenings:

These AI-specific sessions, tailored for nonprofit leaders, will be held both virtually and in person. These focused discussions on various AI themes will complement the Microsoft AI certificate program, encouraging learning integration. Themes to be covered include AI Ethical & Legal Considerations, AI in Communication & Outreach, AI for Fundraising & Donor Engagement, AI for Program & Evaluation, and more.

A culminating session will allow participants to reflect on their learning, identify key takeaways, and discuss the challenges and potential solutions using AI within their organizations. It will provide a valuable opportunity for nonprofit leaders to delve deeper into AI's role in their work and explore practical strategies for leveraging AI effectively.

Upon successful completion of the Microsoft AI certificate program, participants will qualify for access to LinkedIn Premium. Please be aware that availability is limited, and access is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. This benefit is managed by a third-party partner.

What to Expect:

• Gain insights into the evolving role of AI in business, government, and nonprofits
• Understand how AI can be leveraged to drive social impact in nonprofit organizations
• Learn about various AI themes in the Thematic Convenings series.
• Participate in the Microsoft AI Certification Program on LinkedIn and equip yourself with the tools for implementing AI solutions in your organization
• Network with fellow nonprofit leaders and AI experts

Who Should Attend:

This event is ideal for nonprofit leaders, executives, and professionals who are interested in understanding and leveraging AI for social impact. Whether you're a CEO, program manager, fundraiser, or technologist, if you're passionate about driving positive change through AI, this event is for you.

Registration Deadline:

Please register by Monday, June 3, 5:00 PM Pacific Time.

To learn more contact Alicia K. Avalos, at aavalos@cnmsocal.org

Event Program

Please note, program is subject to change.

• Welcome and Grounding
• Keynote Address: The AI Landscape within the Nonprofit Sector - Tirzah Van Damme, Sr. Specialist, Microsoft Tech for Social Impact
• Break
• Panel Discussion: Nonprofit Organizations’ AI Success Stories
• Networking Lunch
• Call to Action: Microsoft AI Certification Program
• Key Takeaways & Upcoming Thematic Convenings
• Closing Remarks

Speaker and Presenters

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Efrain Escobedo, President and CEO, Center for Nonprofit Management

Efrain is dedicated to increasing the civic engagement of historically underserved and marginalized communities and transforming systems through more human-centered approaches. For nearly two decades, he has worked within the philanthropic, government, and nonprofit sectors to advance this mission. Previously, Efrain served as Vice President of Public Policy & Civic Engagement at The California Community Foundation (CCF). Efrain earned his bachelor’s degree at USC and an MBA at the University of La Verne.​ ​ ​

Jen García, Founder & CEO, Employ California

Jen García is driven by a passion to help others find fulfillment in their professional lives by equipping them with the skills to thrive in their businesses, social impact initiatives, and careers. For 15 years, she taught English to domestic and international students at UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, Orange Coast College, and UC Irvine. Three years ago, she founded Employ California, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering social impact organizations, small businesses, and the workforce with AI literacy, digital skills, and workforce development resources. In addition, she creates and produces AI-focused gatherings and impactful networking events for women entrepreneurs and social impact leaders across Southern California.

Erika Smith, Microsoft TechSpark Manager - Atlanta

Erika is a social innovator focused on creating economic opportunities for communities of color. She leads Microsoft's philanthropic strategy for the metro communities (ATL, LA, CHI), which is focused on advancing digital equity and inclusion. Erika leverages an equity lens to stimulate economic opportunity in Atlanta Metro communities. She created a movement to amplify and catalyze investment to drive economic growth in underserved communities while preserving culture. She led the economic opportunity portfolio for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, resulting in increased investments in community-based organizations, and was Assistant Director of Southside Community and Economic Development with Invest Atlanta. These efforts shifted how organizations approached BIPOC SMB engagement, product development, and collaboration. Erika's career spans 20 years, including advancing fintech in Nigeria, working in strategic marketing functions with US banks, and co-creating Uhuru Concepts, a social innovation and marketing firm.

Todd Terrazas, Executive Director & President, Artificial Intelligence Los Angeles (AILA)

A social entrepreneur and collaboration catalyst, Todd's career passion is connecting leaders, ideas, and capital to foster creative solutions that advance humanity's betterment. His new venture, FBRC.ai, brings together academia, tech, and the entertainment industry to create the future of content production centered on AI-supported tools, workflows, and content. His non-profit AILA has supported the research, development, ethical application, and public education of artificial intelligence and frontier technologies through media and events in the greater Los Angeles region since 2016.

Tirzah VanDamme, Sr. Specialist, Microsoft Tech for Social Impact

Tirzah is Microsoft's Global AI Strategy Lead for the UN and IGOs. Previously, she worked with several tech startups and was deputy director and chief marketing officer for the Army Software Factory. Tirzah spent her early career on active duty in the U.S. Army, serving as an operations officer, general manager (commander), medical evacuation pilot, and inspector general. Tirzah earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MS in Neuroscience at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, focusing on noninvasive neuromodulation techniques to discover new therapies for chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. Tirzah graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. She is passionate about purpose-driven work and making a positive difference.

Joey Zumaya, Founding Partner, The Zumaya Group

Joey is the founding partner of the Zumaya Group, which advises organizations on board and leadership development. His personal mission is to increase the collective impact of people doing good in the world. Rooted in a faith that calls him to serve others, his goal is to help people who help people. He places great value on hard work, excellence, and achieving tangible results, all underpinned by a spirit of generosity. As a business and community leader, he is driven by a passion for empowering underserved communities. At LinkedIn, he leads various social impact initiatives, including engagement with non-profits, fostering community development, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging. He serves on the national board of The Salvation Army and has received awards for business accomplishments and philanthropic impact. His online courses have reached and benefited more than one million professionals globally. #HPWHP