This month, we’re thrilled to highlight our Microsoft for Nonprofits Game, launched at the Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit to help organizations find Microsoft solutions to amplify their impact. We’re also celebrating the success of the Pensole Lewis College event in Detroit, co-hosted with StockX and Microsoft, which inspired the next generation of creative minds in shoe design. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to integrate S.T.E.A.M education with design technology, fostering innovation and career opportunities for young people. Thrilled of the progress the Microsoft Nonprofit Tech Acceleration (NTA) team is making on the collective journey towards a brighter, tech-enabled future.
Scaling nonprofit missions through the Microsoft for Nonprofits Game
The Microsoft for Nonprofits Game, launched at the Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, is an innovative tool designed to help nonprofits navigate the various Microsoft tools available to them. By engaging with the game, nonprofit leaders can discover the right Microsoft solutions to effectively scale their mission. It’s a creative approach to familiarize users with the Microsoft ecosystem in a way that’s both educational and enjoyable. Visit the Microsoft MakeCode Arcade more detailed information about the game and its features: aka.ms/NTAGame
A video game dashboard for nonprofits .
The path to a career in the sneaker industry with the StockX, Microsoft and the Pensole Lewis College Detroit Program
Pensole Lewis College (PLC) Detroit, in collaboration with StockX and Microsoft, hosted an inspiring event on April 24th, aimed at empowering the next generation of shoe designers. The event featured a panel discussion offering students from Detroit Lions Academy a chance to engage with design professionals. Attendees got early access to exclusive Microsoft community training content and participated in a hands-on design workshop. This initiative, part of PLC Detroit’s commitment to practical education and industry knowledge, is supported by Microsoft’s efforts to bridge S.T.E.A.M education and design technology for Detroit’s youth, fostering innovation and career success.
Through this career navigation program, students can develop solid skills, fuel their passion, and understand the cultural impact of footwear design. The online journey is led by shoe industry experts, like Dr. D'Wayne Edwards.
Design event students and attendees learning and networking .
Darrell Booker with students and attendees at a design event.
Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, a shoe industry leader, instructs an online course .
The Future of Esports
I recently addressed students at Southern University Law Center (SULC) Esports Summit about the exciting advancements in AI tools and Microsoft’s innovations aimed at streamlining the game development processes, including storyboarding. SULC has partnered with a platform to establish an Esports League for Louisiana schools, providing an opportunity for students to engage in competitive gaming. This initiative is part of SULC’s efforts to expand its curriculum and offer diverse activities on campus. By leveraging Microsoft AI brains within gaming, developers can enhance engagement with non-player characters, resulting in more immersive and expansive gaming experiences.
A graphic image showcasing the speakers at the SULC Esports Summit on April 4-5, 2024.
REDI Conference Power Panel - “Standing on Business: Evaluating Business Commitments to DEI Efforts”
At the REDICON Virtual Conference, we addressed pivotal questions regarding how companies have honored their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) since their widely publicized pledges following significant social events like the murder of George Floyd in 2020. I spoke about tangible actions taken to cultivate diverse talent pathways, and the metrics used to gauge the effectiveness of these efforts and accountability measures put in place to sustain these commitments. We also discussed strategies to involve employees at all levels in shaping DEI objectives, ensuring an inclusive corporate culture that supports all staff members and aligns with broader societal goals.
A graphic image showcasing the speakers at the Redi Conference on April 30, 2024.
The Nonprofit Tech Acceleration (NTA) program provides technology grants and technical consulting for US-based nonprofits that support Black and African American communities. Learn more about the NTA program by visiting aka.ms/NTA.
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