Name: Technology | Tech for the Social Sector: Navigating the Complexities of Community Impact
Start: 2025-04-17T15:30:00-0400
End: 2025-04-17T16:30:00-0400

Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

Common House South Room

The social sector is no stranger to complexity—whether it's tackling quality of life issues or getting communities to rally around a cause, it can feel like herding cats with a side of bureaucracy. Enter technology, with its shiny promises of making everything easier, more efficient, and impactful—if only it were as simple as pressing "send." This panel will explore the evolving role of tech in the social sector, focusing on both the exciting opportunities and the mind-bending challenges that await in 2025 and beyond.

Our expert panelists will dive into real-world examples, weigh in on the ethical dilemmas, and share their hard-earned wisdom on building sustainable tech strategies for social good. You’ll leave with more than just ideas for your next big project—you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how to navigate the delicate balance between tech innovation and the very human issues that social organizations tackle. You’ll learn how technology can actually amplify social impact. Just don’t expect all the answers—because sometimes, the journey is as complicated as the problems themselves.

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Note: This Conference session is ticketed.

Please purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. You will then receive an email from Sched with login information that allows you to make your personal schedule.

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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.

Speakers

Emily Smith

Founder & CEO, Side Nerd Apps

Emily Smith is the Founder & CEO of Side Nerd Apps, a tech company dedicated to simplifying data collection through intuitive, text message-based solutions. With a background in analytics and marketing technology, Emily spent six years consulting for Fortune 500 clients at Analytic... Read More →

Price Thomas

Executive Director, City of Promise

Price A. Thomas is the Executive Director of City of Promise, leading the nonprofit since May 2023. Born and raised in Charlottesville, he brings extensive experience as a communications expert and campaign strategist in addition to his deep knowledge of the Charlottesville community... Read More →

Rider Foley

Associate Professor, UVA Department of Engineering and Society

Rider Foley’s research explores the intersection of innovation and sustainability. His past project have sought to understand how emerging technologies can be designed to meet the needs of users, and how those designs navigate the political, legal, and social constructs that constrain... Read More →

Sarad Davenport

Founder, DSID/Vinegar Hill Magazine

Sarad Davenport is a seasoned human-centered designer and social innovator dedicated to creating positive change. With expertise in community development and cross-sector partnerships, he has led initiatives like the Charlottesville Promise Neighborhood and contributed to national... Read More →

Sponsors