What do you think of when you hear the words, “Technology United?” For members of this donor network, they’ll tell you that it’s much more than devises. It’s about bringing people together.
“It’s a community and it's local. It’s IT leaders, doers, and problem solvers who are intentionally sharing their time, talent, and more often the case, their treasures to support nonprofits,” Kris Szatmary, Senior Project Manager at Foley & Lardner LLP said. “It’s a group that is creatively building connections between nonprofit and for-profit professionals.”
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Technology United is a pioneering donor network dedicated to promoting digital equity and inspiring the next generation of technology professionals. As one of the first technology-centered networks in the U.S., it prioritizes addressing the digital divide while emphasizing the critical role technology plays in youth education. The donor network actively encourages technology professionals to advocate for these important causes, helping to cultivate and support future tech leaders who will drive innovation and accessibility in the field.
It’s no secret that technology plays an important role in nearly every aspect of life – from ordering off a menu to booking a doctor’s appointment and socializing with friends to finding a career. It’s why members of Technology United, like Kris, dedicate their time and expertise, working side-by-side to apply their skills to ensure technology is invested in the right places in our community.
Her passion for volunteering stems from her love of giving back to the community and supporting nonprofits. Using her skills in technology, Kris provides vital assistance in ways that extend beyond traditional manpower, ensuring that nonprofits can continue to focus on their missions.
“We're not going to make a nonprofit figure it out alone,” Kris remarked. “And they may not have the same level of staff and expertise in technical topics that most of us spend time reading up on or figuring out. We’ll stay on top of things and pay it forward to those people who are focused on the most critical needs: serving, protecting, helping, and healing people.”
Not only does Technology United have its signature events like this March’s CIO Forum, but members also connect through volunteering and social gatherings. While active in many areas, Technology United focuses on Techquity, one of United Way’s key initiatives. Members have enjoyed volunteering at Techquity device distribution events, which help people in need connect to devices critical to navigating the digital world, Technology United’s Career Fair for high school students, and Tech for Good Marketplace. Tech for Good Marketplace matches United Way nonprofit agency partners with leaders in technology that are volunteering their skills to support the nonprofits technology needs. The program includes running a thorough technology assessment, providing recommendations on next steps, and connecting other volunteers to take on the recommended projects at zero-to-low cost.
“It's a way to combine your professional skills with a personal passion related to community engagement. It’s about being surrounded by good people,” Kris said regarding volunteer opportunities.
Membership in Technology United isn’t restricted to just those who report to a CIO or CISO, either. Anyone interested in tech and innovation, cyber security, data analytics, developing AI, Cloud computing, computer science, and project management roles like Kris is welcome to join the network. Events like the CIO Forum and volunteering at device distributions allow everyone interested in technology to have a seat at the table, offering a welcoming experience to meet new people and learn from them.
For individuals who work in a remote or hybrid position, being able to be a part of a workplace giving campaign for United Way may be more difficult. Joining a donor network like Technology United offers a unique, flexible way to give back to the community.
“The reality is that there are people working all over the world for companies that aren’t necessarily based where they live, yet they still have a desire to give back to the community that they live in,” Kris said. “Technology United might be the place where they want to be. And they just don’t know about it yet.”
If you’re interested in helping our community bridge the digital divide by helping nonprofit organizations stay safe through digital literacy, volunteering to get devices into the hands of those who need them, or looking to network with others who love the role technology plays in our lives, learn more about and join Technology United here. To volunteer to be a guest CIO on a project at Tech for Good Marketplace, contact our team at Tech4Good@unitedwaygmwc.org.
