A Night of Unity, Impact, and Unapologetic Resilience: Celebrating the Third Annual Digital Inclusion Awards

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

What an extraordinary, inspiring evening! Our hearts are overflowing with immense pride and deep gratitude as we look back on the Third Annual Tech Exchange Digital Inclusion Awards. To every sponsor, community partner, donor, and friend who walked through the doors of the California Ballroom—thank you.

With over 150 champion minds in attendance, the room was electric with shared purpose, joy, and an unwavering commitment to digital equity. Together, we did more than just gather—we deepened our bonds, raised critical funds by exceeding our event goals, and fortified our collective vision for a fully connected future.

Honoring Our Roots & Expanding the Vision

The evening was filled with powerful moments that reminded us where we come from and where we are heading:

• Honoring Our Legacy: In a deeply moving tribute, Congresswoman Lateefah Simon’s office presented Tech Exchange founder Bruce Buckelew with the Forever Leader Award, celebrating the visionary seed he planted over 30 years ago that continues to bear fruit across California today.

• Elevating the AI & Equity Conversation: We brought together an incredible panel featuring Assemblymember Ana Marie Avila Farias, Irving Torres (Oakland Fund), Arturo Juarez (NextGen Policy), and Kennan Scott (Empathway Designs). Together, they tackled the double-edged sword of emerging tech and AI:

  • Workforce & Policy: Kennan Scott highlighted that AI job growth requires proactive commitments from workforce boards and local governments to ensure tech economies grow equitably. Arturo Juarez emphasized the state's responsibility to hold tech companies accountable, keeping home internet and digital infrastructure affordable for underserved communities.

  • Legislative Action & Community AI: Asm. Avila Farias shared that with a new legislative session and incoming governor, California has a prime opportunity to draft community-first tech policies. Irving Torres underscored how CBOs must drive practical AI literacy on the ground to inform philanthropy and private investment.

  • Preserving Our Humanity: In a poignant moment, Asm. Avila Farias reminded us to maintain discernment as adults and parents, ensuring technology enhances our lives without consuming our humanity, family dinners, or genuine human connection.

Celebrating Our Champions

We were thrilled to lift up the incredible partners who walk shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this movement:

• Sustainability Champions (SEMI): Justin Harris and Dr. Bia Hamed shared that their work in semiconductor sustainability is just beginning, inviting global tech manufacturers to join Tech Exchange in expanding e-waste reduction and device refurbishing.

• Community Change Champion (Hack the Hood): Samia Zuber delivered an inspiring message on the transformative power of grassroots collaboration, proving that real opportunity happens when community organizations build together.

• Advocacy Champion (CETF): Sunne Wright McPeak delighted the room with a spirited history lesson on the roots of California’s digital inclusion movement. In a joyful moment, she highlighted her role as a professional "mother" to many in the room—including Tech Exchange Executive Director Ulises Zatarain—reminding us all to honor the guidance and shoulders of those upon whom we stand.

Standing in Resilience & Community Joy

As the formal program drew to a close, Executive Director Ulises Zatarain took the stage to frame our collective journey, issuing a special tribute to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the entire CASF team.

Ulises highlighted CASF (California Advanced Services Fund) as a one-of-a-kind model in the nation, noting that like any project of this magnitude, there are challenges; but the impact we create together far outweighs the burden of overcoming those challenges, and we are confident that together we can and continue to have incredible impact building digital equity across the state. “CPUC CASF is an invaluable partner to Tech Exchange, and countless digital equity and community based organizations across the state."

Grounded in our strategic pillar of Resilience, Ulises reminded us of what drives this work forward:"Resilience is the human spirit.” The determination to stand together, to rise after setbacks, and to keep going when the odds are stacked against us. “Today, we must remain resilient in keeping Equity and Inclusion at the center of our collective commitments; not whispered in quiet corners, but championed openly and unapologetically. Equity is about more than equal treatment; it requires confronting historical injustices and making the sustained investments necessary to repair their harms and create genuine opportunity."

To cap off an unforgettable night, local hip-hop artist LaRussell took the stage, bringing the room to its feet and ending the evening in pure celebration, music, and joy!

Thank You for Standing With Us

To our event sponsors, board, staff, and every single guest who attended: your presence not only pushed us past our fundraising targets, but it also recharged our spirits for the road ahead.

Thank you for believing in digital equity, honoring our history, and investing in our future. Let’s keep fighting the good fight, together!