501cTECH recognizes nonprofit innovators at annual awards ceremony.
By Erica Moody
Amazon Web Services’ Rick Buettner, Lauren Stovall, Marko Cernovic and Doug VanDyke with Accenture’s Lisa Mitnick (Photo by Lisa Usher Photography)
Washington area nonprofits Hopecam, the Arc of Northern Virginia, and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) were recognized last week at 501cTECH’s Celebration of Technology Awards at the Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center. The Technology Innovation Awards of $7,500 are meant to aid in the creation of innovative technology projects to further the cause of each organization.
The Arc’s Kymberly Deloatche, Accenture’s Lisa Mitnick, The Arc’s Rikki Epstein, 501cTECH’s Julie Chapman, The Arc’s Howard Stregack and Accenture’s Katherine LaVelle (Photo by Lisa Usher Photography)
“When nonprofits have not only the basic technology infrastructure they need to function efficiently, but then start to think creatively about how technology can help solve fundamental client service related problems, that’s when the really cool ideas emerge,” said 501cTECH President and CEO Julie Chapman. “We definitely saw that with our three nonprofit winners this year.”
Hopecam, which uses technology to connect children in treatment for cancer with their communities, received the award in the cause category of Pre-K-12 and STEM Education. With the technology provided by Hopecam, such as tablets with Skype accounts, web cameras and reliable internet access, children are better able to communicate with their friends and families, and inform the community about what they’re going through.
501cTECH’s Julie Chapman, TAPS’ Susan Wight and BAE Systems’ Kristie Cunningham (Photo by Lisa Usher Photography)
TAPS was honored in the cause category of Veterans & Military Families. The Arlington-based organization supports those grieving the death of a loved one serving in the Armed Forces. The award will help cover the costs of a new mobile application that will provide access to event-related information about TAPS’ annual Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp.
In the Skills to Succeed & Workforce Development category, The Arc of Northern Virginia took home the prize, for the development and launch of EmployMate, an app that will help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful employment. This is in conjunction with the organization’s TravelMate app that provides support in navigating public transit.
ETrade’s Shane Jenerette and Olive Idehen with Quin Rivers’ Jack Lanier (Photo by Lisa Usher Photography)
The night’s generous sponsors were on hand to present awards and included Accenture, CenturyLink, BAE Systems, Clark Construction, Amazon Web Services, Capital One, Deloitte and SapientNitro.
