Giving back to the community is an important part of who I am, and it’s great to know that there are so many wonderful people who are willing to go out of their way to support worthy causes and those in need. I am engaged with all of the following organizations in various forms – some I’m deeply involved with, while others I can only lend a hand from time to time. If you get a chance, please visit the websites of these organizations and lend them your support. They’re doing great work out there.
VFW Post 12002
Providing Toys to Deployed Military Members
A long time ago, I deployed to the other side of the world. When I returned, I was a Veteran of Foreign Wars. I’m not a hero but sometimes for a little while, I don a peculiar looking garrison cap and then for the briefest of moments, I get to walk among Titans.
Operation Santa was started by a hero and great comrade of mine who is sadly no longer with us. He started it with the vision of brightening up the lives of children. Please consider supporting VFW Post’s 12002 Operation Santa 501(C3) Charity which furnishes toys to the children of deployed Georgia servicemembers who are many times in harm’s way. This charity has no employees and 100% of donations go to buying presents. Distribution is done by VFW veterans free of charge or expense.
Techbridge
Empowering other nonprofits with state of the art technologies
Techbridge is a nonprofit that uses technology to expand the impact of other nonprofits. They support organizations that work within their four pillars: Hunger Relief, Homeless Support, Social Justice, and Workforce Development. I have been a Techbridge Ambassador for several years now and help them however I can.
Inspiredu
Helping underserved youth get ahead
Inspiredu’s mission is to help underserved youth develop the skills needed for education and career success through technology‐based learning tools and engagement activities with their families, communities, and schools. They are committed to making a direct impact on young scholars and their families through their boots-on-the-ground efforts that remain unwavering. While there is still so much more to be done, Inspiredu will continue to champion theircause to support meaningful and sustained change for equality. Several good friends sit on the board including Grant Shih.
IT Girls
Helping young girls advance in science and technology fields
As a part of their ongoing focus on STEM studies, IT Girls was created so that young female students who are interested in these fields have a structured extra-curricular program to explore and develop their interests and talents. They work to prepare them to have a competitive advantage in their academic and career interests and we want to start by targeting our 4th and 5th-grade girls. This program is designed to guide them through project-based work, partner with businesses and involve guest speakers to provide insight, inspiration, and guidance, and answer any questions the students may have on how these topics intersect. This foundation was started here in Atlanta and my good friend Grant Shih is a founding member.
Women in Technology
Empowering Girls and Women
Over the years, I’ve had the distinct privilege to associate with Atlanta’s Women in Technology. They’ve been kind enough to invite me to many of their events, and especially their annual gala and awards ceremonies. As a father of daughters, it’s always a pleasure to be able to donate from time to time to this wonderful group that does so much work to foster a climate that helps women succeed in the business world.
Atlanta Technology Professionals
Helping young girls advance in science and technology fields
Atlanta Technology Professionals (ATP) was started in 1999 as a professional development organization. Since then it has launched a wonderful ATP Cares program through which they give to worthy causes within the Atlanta area. If you are a technology executive within the Atlanta metropolitan area, please consider joining ATP and helping out with ATP Cares.
Catch the Next
Helping minorities complete a college education
A cousin of mine holds a Ph.D. in education and I was struck when she told me that she was involved heavily with an organization called Catch the Next.
I haven’t done much with them, but the name struck me. It’s a poignant acknowledgment of our failures as a society in how so many are left behind or culled out of certain opportunities by a blind society. Catch the Next seeks to catch the next wave of minorities as they make their way through university and help them complete their program. If you’re looking for a worthy cause, here’s one that could really use the help. Headquartered in Connecticut and doing substantial work in Texas.