The Emerging Technology Fellowship program is part of CFC’s Transformation work and holds space to explore new innovations and trends that have the potential to transform capital, philanthropy and futures. It invites aspiring leaders to delve into the pivotal role philanthropy plays in shaping digital infrastructures. With a keen focus on AI, blockchain, and web3 technologies, the three fellows will explore how these innovations can recalibrate power dynamics, revolutionize systems, and pave the way for a more equitable future.
The Emerging Technology Fellows are currently engaged in two projects focused on web3/blockchain and AI to continue our learning and sharing journey. Community foundations are also exploring these emerging technologies as they relate to philanthropy and the social impact space, and can connect with the fellows to share their perspectives or to learn more about how this can affect their work.
The Emerging Technology Fellowship is supported and inspired by Centre Wellington Community Foundation: Middlebrook Social Innovation Fund, Locking Arms Foundation, SuperBenefit DAO and Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
Meet the Fellows and learn how they see technology as crucial to philanthropy.
Alex Tveit
Philanthropy should not just integrate technology but actively contribute to and shape digital infrastructures with a lens of social and environmental impact.
Alex Tveit, Co-Founder and CEO of Sustainable Impact Foundation, integrates systems thinking with community-centric approaches for impactful solutions to social issues. His work emphasizes ethical tech and AI stewardship, ensuring technology advances social impact goals inclusively. Alex, a leader in systems change and community empowerment, champions knowledge sharing and co-creation as well as leveraging technology as a tool for systemic change and inclusive social innovation.
What do you think the role of philanthropy is in shaping the future of emerging technologies like AI?
To prevent repeating the historical patterns that have led to current social inequalities, as well as socio-economic and environmental challenges, philanthropy must fully understand the challenges, barriers, and opportunities AI presents for philanthropy and the social impact space. Without a commitment to inclusivity and a comprehensive understanding of their systemic impacts, these technologies risk perpetuating the narrow perspectives and values of a privileged few.
However, with a deep focus on inclusivity, AI’s potential can be transformative. Philanthropy should not just integrate technology but actively contribute to and shape digital infrastructures with a lens of social and environmental impact. As we move towards a “digital-first” economy, it’s crucial for philanthropy to shift from passive recipients of technology to active shapers. In particular, we must explore how AI and digital infrastructures can equitably redistribute power, value flows, and resources across society at scale.
What is your biggest hope for the Emerging Technology Fellowship program?
My hope for the Emerging Technology Fellowship program is that we lead the conversation around an approach to philanthropy working with AI that is transparent, participatory, and community-first. I envision an initiative that collectively builds an understanding that empowers both philanthropic and social impact practices and operations to test new collaborative governance models incorporating AI, driving systemic change for the communities they serve. Additionally, I hope the program unlocks collective and/or hybrid intelligence by harnessing the power of AI in aggregating and analyzing diverse data sources, thereby informing and guiding decision-making and knowledge sharing within and between philanthropic organizations and the communities they support.
Connect with Alex!
Tobi Kamoru
Tobi is a first-generation Canadian immigrant, who is passionate about the development and utilization of current tools to decentralize access globally, including healthcare. She received her Bachelor in Engineering from Carleton University and is currently in her first year of medicine. Tobi got practical exposure to the world of AI through work experience after graduating undergrad and through the AI4Good Fellowship. Tobi is eager to integrate her varied experiences and insights to illuminate diverse viewpoints. Her primary aim is to explore how emerging technologies can be strategically employed to redistribute power and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
The Emerging Technology Fellowship is more than sparking conversations. It’s about building a bridge for people who are either curious or have already started exploring the world of emerging technology and AI. The goal is to contribute to shaping this space together. Whether you’re taking your first steps into emerging technology or you’ve been keeping an eye on it for a while, there is a place for you in this space. My biggest hope for the Emerging Technology Fellowship is to create an avenue for all, including those who are interested or starting to be interested in the realms of emerging technology and AI, to be contributors and collaborators in this space.
Tobi
What do you think is the role of philanthropy in shaping the future of emerging technologies like AI, web3 and blockchain?
I believe that it is pivotal that we create technologies that are robust and diverse. Philanthropy is part of that puzzle and should have a seat in contributing to the conversation. AI and other emerging technologies are going to move forward, and it is our responsibility to make sure that our voice is not left unnoticed. The role of philanthropy is not only to be a consumer of these products or tools but to be a strand in the weaving of the tools. This engagement can help steer the direction of technological advancements towards inclusivity, ethical considerations, and the greater good, ensuring that the benefits of technology are widely distributed and accessible to all sectors in our community. By doing so, philanthropy not only contributes to the advancement of technology but also ensures that these advancements reflect diverse needs and values.
Connect with Tobi!
Norman Valdez
I firmly believe in the crucial role that we must play in shaping the technologies that define our future. As a part of the philanthropic sector, it’s essential that we are not merely onlookers but active participants in the dialogues around AI and other emerging technologies.
Norman Valdez, Director of Technology and Design at CERIC, blends data-driven insights with community-focused strategies to enhance social impact through technology. His leadership in digital marketing and AI has driven organizational transformation, enhancing engagement and efficiency. An advocate for responsible use of AI, Norman aims to promote equity in technology while empowering others to shape our digital future. As an Emerging Technology Fellow, he is keen to explore how philanthropy can leverage emerging technologies to ensure equitable and sustainable community outcomes.
What do you think is the role of philanthropy in shaping the future of emerging technologies like AI, web3 and blockchain?
I firmly believe in the crucial role that we must play in shaping the technologies that define our future. As a part of the philanthropic sector, it’s essential that we are not merely onlookers but active participants in the dialogues around AI and other emerging technologies. These technologies are advancing rapidly, and it is our duty to ensure that our perspectives are heard. Philanthropy should not just consume these innovations but contribute to their development, weaving our insights into the fabric of technological progress. This involvement allows us to guide these advancements towards more inclusive, ethical, and universally beneficial outcomes. By engaging in this way, we do more than just contribute to technological evolution; we ensure that it reflects a broad spectrum of needs and values, making sure that the fruits of innovation reach every corner of our society.
What is your biggest hope for the Emerging Technology Fellowship program?
I hope for the Emerging Technology Fellowship to become a pivotal platform where philanthropy meets advanced technology. I envision this fellowship as a catalyst for developing transparent, participatory, and community-centric approaches to integrating AI in philanthropy. This initiative should not only spur meaningful conversations but also create actionable pathways for collaborative governance models that incorporate AI, thereby driving systemic change. I believe in harnessing AI to aggregate and analyze diverse data sources, enhancing decision-making and knowledge sharing among philanthropic organizations and the communities they serve. Moreover, the fellowship should be a welcoming bridge for all—whether newcomers to technology or seasoned observers—fostering an inclusive environment where every participant can contribute to and shape the future of emerging technology and AI. Through this program, I aim to help empower individuals and communities to collaboratively and thus explore and influence the evolving landscape of technology, ensuring that advancements are aligned with the collective good and reflect a broad spectrum of needs and values.
Connect with Norman!
