IMAGINE: Nonprofit conference
Presented by Amazon Web Services (AWS), IMAGINE: Nonprofit brings together nonprofit leaders, purpose-focused technologists, and impact innovators to discuss how technology can help drive a positive impact for both people and planet.
This in-person event combines thought leadership sessions, how-to technical talks, workshops, and networking opportunities to create an educational and collaborative experience to inspire mission-driven organizations.
F I N D Y O U R I N S P I R A T I O N
Why attend?
C O N F E R E N C E A G E N D A
Event overview
Join us to explore how the cloud can power innovation and accelerate mission outcomes. Sessions will inspire you on how nonprofits are using cutting-edge technology to put people first from preserving the rainforest to finding a cure for rare diseases. Discover how to take calculated risks, streamline operations, build cultures of innovation, and adopt emerging capabilities such as generative AI, responsibly.
W E D N E S D A Y | M A R C H 2 0
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast + networking
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM: Keynote
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Breakout sessions
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM: Breakout sessions
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM: Breakout sessions
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Breakout sessions
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM: Breakout sessions
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Closing session
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Reception
S E S S I O N S
-
Keynote
Keynote [KEY]
9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Get inspired by what’s possible when purpose meets invention. From sparking generosity to delivering scaled solutions that protect our natural world and collaborating to accelerate treatments and cures, the purposeful use of data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning is transforming the ways in which nonprofits navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in our increasingly connected world.
In a series of lightning talks, Allyson Fryhoff, Managing Director of Global Public Sector Healthcare and Nonprofit at AWS, Bourhan Yassin, CEO of Rainforest Connection, Michael Hund, CEO of EB Research, and Chris Anderson, Curator of TED will set the stage for the day, sharing what the nonprofit leaders of today need to know and do to propel their missions forward. They will share how intentional adaption and evolution within an organization can lead to greater impact outside the organization. And how to embrace change as not only necessary, but something to celebrate.
Speakers:
Allyson Fryhoff, Managing Director of Global Public Sector Healthcare and Nonprofit at AWS
Bourhan Yassin, CEO, Rainforest Connection
Michael Hund, CEO of EB Research
Chris Anderson, Curator of TED
-
INSPIRE | Non-technical track
Leading your organization with a strong data foundation [INS101]
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Data has an increasingly pivotal role to play in organizational strategy in the digital era. In this panel discussion, you will hear from leaders on how they are building a strong data foundation while proactively shifting organizational mindsets around the value and use of data. Learn how your organization can lay the groundwork required to unlock powerful insights and realize new opportunities for innovation, through the application of capabilities like analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Speakers:
Ed Ruiz, CIO, ASPPH
Andrew Patricio, Principal, Digital Services, UnidosUS
Dominic Delmolino, VP of Technology, Worldwide Public Sector, AWS
Integrating generative AI to transform operations and program delivery [INS102]
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
The advancement of generative AI is making all of us think: What's possible? Generative AI represents a paradigm shift for how organizations operate today. Generative AI is empowering organizations to more proactively and effectively respond to humanitarian crises, better serve beneficiary and community needs, automate member services at scale, and generate productivity gains across nearly every facet of nonprofit operations. Hear from nonprofit leaders at the helm of innovative gen AI projects and what they've learned as they lean into this new technological era.
Speakers:
Sri Elaprolu, Global Head, Gen AI Innovation Center, AWS
Karin Maasel, Executive Director, Data Friendly Space
Samir Shah, Vice President of Software Engineering, AARP
Overcoming common challenges with cost effective solutions [INS103]
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
In this session, learn how AWS helps the nonprofit community engage with partners who can provide the expertise and proven methodologies to support organizations in meeting stakeholder needs. With cost-effective solutions specifically designed for nonprofits and built on AWS, learn how these partners can help you overcome common challenges around security, data visualization, digital engagement, and fundraising.
Hear from Okta: Cyber threats are on the rise. According to research from the Cyberpeace Institute, 41% of NGOs report having been victims of a cyberattack within the past three years; however 70% of NGOs do not have incident response capabilities in case of a cyberattack. This puts all of our communities and our most vulnerable at risk.
In this talk, Okta’s VP of Social Impact will share how we are collectively meeting this challenge with new data, cross-sector partnerships and technology solutions that nonprofits — large and small — are leveraging to shore up their security postures. Attendees will walk away with new insights into managing cyber threats and practical advice from Okta’s direct work with nonprofits.
Hear from Bonterra: Raising $583 billion more every year, together.
Charitable donations have been stuck at 2.5% of U.S. GDP for 50+ years. Join Bonterra’s Chase Russell, SVP of product strategy, as he shares how technology and trust can drive $583 billion more in annual social good impact.Hear from CDW: Data governance solutions and becoming AI ready
Join us to learn about the importance of data governance and review our workshop options that can help organizations become AI ready. In the presentation, dive deep on data governance, the different practice areas CDW can help with, and hear about one of our data governance workshops using a customer success story.
Hear from Splunk: Insights for impact: Mining your contact center data
Empower your nonprofit contact center by harnessing real-time data to deepen donor relationships, optimize resource allocation, and enhance service effectiveness to maximize impact. Participants will gain valuable insights on how to leverage data to do more with less.Attendees will walk away with new insights into managing cyber threats, solutions to driving more charitable donations, and practical advice from these partners' direct work with nonprofits.
Speakers:
Erin Baudo Felter, Vice President, Social Impact and Sustainability, Okta
Chase Russell, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy, Bonterra
John Fogarty, Senior Data Solution Architect, CDW
Khalid Ali, Solutions Architect, SplunkPreserving trees and treating patients with data and AI [INS104]
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Data is a powerful tool for effecting change in environmental conservation, healthcare, and society. Understanding the use cases that are driving the use of data is key to success, as it helps determine the right approach to visualizing, engaging, and deriving the right insights, at the right time, to propel the work forward. Hear from leaders on how they’ve enabled more effective decision-making through visualizing activity in all the world’s forests and are enabling predictive modeling through AI/ML so that any clinician can provide the right treatment for their patients.
Speakers:
Aleena Ashary, Head of Data, CTrees
Paul Fisher, Chief Development Officer, Elizabeth Glaser Pediactic AIDS Foundation
Lauren Stovall, Global Head of Nonprofit Programs, AWS
Philanthropic differentiation: Moving from tradition to innovation in fundraising [INS105]
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
In a jam packed philanthropic landscape, how can nonprofits rethink traditional fundraising norms and move from promise and theory to action and results through integrating AI into their fundraising strategy? Learn from leaders on how to start experimenting while setting critical inspection points along the way that ultimately enable scale and success. Explore and understand the potential risks of falling behind, as many organizations adapt to the new fundraising reality and unlock new sources of philanthropic support.
Speakers:
Nathan Chappell, Senior Vice President, DonorSearch AI
Sarah Wilber, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Kennedy Center
Harnessing research insights, community, and responsibility to advance progress
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
We will close the day by exploring shared themes among mission-driven organizations: enacting systems-level changes, collectively, and responsibly. And how these changes start at the leadership level within each organization. Paul Rice, CEO of Fair Trade USA, will share the pivotal role data and technology play in connecting the dots among diverse stakeholders to build a movement.
Speakers:
Paul Rice, CEO, Fair Trade USASasha Rubel, head of artificial intelligence and machine learning public policy for AWS, will then host an in-depth conversation around the thought-provoking questions around responsible AI and AI for Good, including generative AI. Leaders from Crisis Text Line and the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI2) will share their perspective on harnessing these powerful tools to address mental health responses at scale and conduct high-impact AI research and engineering in service of the common good. You will leave understanding how to harness what’s possible, responsibly and with purpose.
Speakers:
Dena Trujillo, CEO, Crisis Text Line
Nicole DeCario, Director of AI and Society, Allen Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI2)
Sasha Rubel, Head of AI/ML, Public Policy EMEA, AWS
-
BUILD | Technically-focused track
Scaling your mission using data-driven solutions [BLD101]
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Data-driven approaches are empowering change and innovation across the social sector. In this session, hear from leaders as they share their experiences, insights, and utilization of research and data to drive positive change. From microfinance initiatives lifting communities out of poverty to cutting-edge climate risk assessments shaping resilient futures, and multidisciplinary research addressing global challenges, these organizations exemplify the impact of data-driven approaches.
Speakers:
Scott Graham, VP of Research and Development, FINCA International
Ed Kearns, Chief Data Officer, First Street Foundation
David White, Senior Vice President of Technology, RTI International
Building secure applications quickly to deliver mission results [BLD102]
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Nonprofits are in the business of trust. We entrust them with society’s most important functions—educating our minds, uplifting our souls, and protecting our health and safety. Without trust, organizations are vulnerable and at risk. Join us as leaders discuss the importance of building secure infrastructure in protecting PII, network security, and threat detection/incident response. Explore how these organizations safeguard sensitive consumer data and protect patient information in this digital era.
Speakers:
Harold Clark, Senior Director Architecture and Strategy, Consumer Reports
Grant Lammi, Cloud Development Manager, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Sabrina Petruzzo, Solutions Architect, AWS
Frugal architect: How to build cost effectively in the cloud [BLD103]
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Nonprofits can build frugal architectures that aim to deliver cost-aware, sustainable, and maintainable solutions to power their work. Join this presentation to learn more about how to build cost effectively in the cloud, to benefit operations and drive progress. Learn how to make the right design decisions for your nonprofit’s priorities, evaluate trade-offs, and discover tips and techniques for migrating to and modernizing in the cloud.
Speakers:
Mike Norton, VP of Cloud Services and Operations, PBS
Pete Ainsworth, Head of Platform Engineering, Cancer Research UK
Mike George, Solutions Architect, AWS
Designing human-centered digital experiences [BLD104]
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Technology allows organizations to fundamentally change how they interact with beneficiaries. Today, teams are redesigning their systems in order to scale their reach to communities who increasingly need their services. Hear from leaders on how they are building user-centric and digital-first services for the people they serve. Learn how to design digital experiences that delight and most importantly, deliver, including modern contact centers, artificially intelligent chatbots, and applications with built-in personalization.
Speakers:
Michael Hight, CTO, Waterford.org
Justin Stanley, Solutions Architect, AWS
Getting started with generative AI [BLD105]
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
The role of generative AI is rapidly evolving in the social sector, reshaping our vision of the society of the future. Join this technical, hands on workshop to experiment with generative AI services. Dive deep and build a generative AI application, using Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q, based on best-in-class examples of nonprofits who are driving generative AI to the cutting edge. This session will require a laptop.
Speakers:
Ben Turnbull, Solutions Architect, AWS
David Marsh, Solutions Architect, AWS
F E A T U R E D S P E A K E R S
Keynote
Chris Anderson
Curator
TED
Chris Anderson is the curator of TED, a nonprofit media organization that leverages the power of ideas to make a better future. Born in 1957, Chris spent most of his early life in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. In 1985 he launched Future Publishing, which ultimately expanded to more than 130 magazines and 1,500 employees. In 2001, Chris took over leadership of the TED Conference. Under his stewardship, over 3,600 talks and animated lessons have been released free on the TED website, with 100,000 more on YouTube. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller TED Talks and has overseen the introduction of TEDx, TED-Ed, TED Fellows, and the Audacious Project, a new form of collaborative philanthropy. He is a founding partner of Countdown, a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action.
Chris Anderson is the curator of TED, a nonprofit media organization that leverages the power of ideas to make a better future. Born in 1957, Chris spent most of his early life in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. In 1985 he launched Future Publishing, which ultimately expanded to more than 130 magazines and 1,500 employees. In 2001, Chris took over leadership of the TED Conference. Under his stewardship, over 3,600 talks and animated lessons have been released free on the TED website, with 100,000 more on YouTube. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller TED Talks and has overseen the introduction of TEDx, TED-Ed, TED Fellows, and the Audacious Project, a new form of collaborative philanthropy. He is a founding partner of Countdown, a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action.
Bourhan Yassin
CEO
Rainforest Connection
Bourhan Yassin has deep roots in both the tech and conservation sectors. With over two decades of experience, he led large-scale Operations and Engineering teams in several Bay Area companies including Powis and Zazzle. He also steered the Dubai e-commerce giant, MarkaVIP, as its long-time COO before dedicating his life to conservation with Rainforest Connection (RFCx).
Over the past seven years, Bourhan has been pivotal in evolving Rainforest Connection. He actively represented RFCx at key events, directly deployed RFCx Technology on the ground, and assembled a talented and diverse team from all over the world. Recognized as one of the 2023 Google.org Leaders to Watch, he’s the driving force behind RFCx’s mission and has led the organization from concept to reality in 35 countries to date.
Bourhan Yassin has deep roots in both the tech and conservation sectors. With over two decades of experience, he led large-scale Operations and Engineering teams in several Bay Area companies including Powis and Zazzle. He also steered the Dubai e-commerce giant, MarkaVIP, as its long-time COO before dedicating his life to conservation with Rainforest Connection (RFCx).
Over the past seven years, Bourhan has been pivotal in evolving Rainforest Connection. He actively represented RFCx at key events, directly deployed RFCx Technology on the ground, and assembled a talented and diverse team from all over the world. Recognized as one of the 2023 Google.org Leaders to Watch, he’s the driving force behind RFCx’s mission and has led the organization from concept to reality in 35 countries to date.
Michael Hund
CEO
EB Research Partnership
Michael Hund, MBA, is the Chief Executive Officer of EB Research Partnership, a game-changing medical research organization dedicated to curing the life-threatening genetic skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and pioneering the innovative business model of Venture Philanthropy. Michael previously served as the Director of Development for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, leading their successful $100 million Curing Cancer Now campaign. Previously, Michael spent over a decade in leadership at the actor and philanthropist Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, working on behalf of children and their families battling cancer and other life-threatening illness.
Michael has spent his career dedicated to transforming healthcare and also founded and runs a real estate investment company. He received his BA in Philosophy from the University of Kansas, CORe credential from Harvard Business School, and MBA from the Yale School of Management.
Michael Hund, MBA, is the Chief Executive Officer of EB Research Partnership, a game-changing medical research organization dedicated to curing the life-threatening genetic skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and pioneering the innovative business model of Venture Philanthropy. Michael previously served as the Director of Development for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, leading their successful $100 million Curing Cancer Now campaign. Previously, Michael spent over a decade in leadership at the actor and philanthropist Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Fund, working on behalf of children and their families battling cancer and other life-threatening illness.
Michael has spent his career dedicated to transforming healthcare and also founded and runs a real estate investment company. He received his BA in Philosophy from the University of Kansas, CORe credential from Harvard Business School, and MBA from the Yale School of Management.
Allyson Fryhoff
Managing Director, Global Public Sector Healthcare & Nonprofit
AWS
Allyson leads the team inspiring nonprofit organizations to accelerate their digital transformation, mission outcomes and positive impact in the world through cloud technology. In addition to her extensive technology background, Allyson also brings social sector experience as a former teacher and working with individuals with disabilities.
Previously, Ms. Fryhoff held executive leadership positions with Salesforce.org as SVP of strategic engagement and innovation and CRO for nonprofit and education. She was the leader of platform go-to-market including, Force.com, Heroku, Communities and IoT, and helped to grow that business into a billion-dollar cloud. Prior to Salesforce, Ms. Fryhoff held sales and management positions at Oracle, Digital Equipment Corporation and Control Data Corp. Allyson spent 15 years at Oracle in a variety of product and sales leadership roles. Among her many accomplishments, Allyson led the launch of Exadata, Oracle’s next generation engineered system.
Allyson leads the team inspiring nonprofit organizations to accelerate their digital transformation, mission outcomes and positive impact in the world through cloud technology. In addition to her extensive technology background, Allyson also brings social sector experience as a former teacher and working with individuals with disabilities.
Previously, Ms. Fryhoff held executive leadership positions with Salesforce.org as SVP of strategic engagement and innovation and CRO for nonprofit and education. She was the leader of platform go-to-market including, Force.com, Heroku, Communities and IoT, and helped to grow that business into a billion-dollar cloud. Prior to Salesforce, Ms. Fryhoff held sales and management positions at Oracle, Digital Equipment Corporation and Control Data Corp. Allyson spent 15 years at Oracle in a variety of product and sales leadership roles. Among her many accomplishments, Allyson led the launch of Exadata, Oracle’s next generation engineered system.
H E A R F R O M Y O U R P E E R S
Nonprofit leadership voices
Pete Ainsworth
Head of Platform Engineering
Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Khalid Ali
Solutions Architect
Splunk
Aleena Ashary
Head of Data & Products
CTrees
Nathan Chappell
Senior VP
DonorSearchAI
Harold Clark
Senior Director, IT Strategy and Architecture
Consumer Reports
Nicole DeCario
Director, AI and Society
Allen Institute for AI (AI2)
Erin Baudo Felter
Vice President, Social Impact and Sustainability
Okta
Paul Fisher
Chief Development Officer
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
John Fogarty
Senior Data Solution Architect
CDW
Scott Graham
VP, Research and Data Science
FINCA International
Mike Hight
Chief Technology Officer
Waterford.org
Ed Kearns
Chief Data Officer
First Street Foundation
Grant Lammi
Director of Cloud Development, Office of Data Sciences
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Bernice Martin Lee
Chief Executive Officer
Epilepsy Foundation
Karin Maasel
Executive Director
Data Friendly Space (DFS)
Mike Norton
VP of Cloud Services and Operations
PBS
Andrew Patricio
Principal, Digital Services
UnidosUS
Paul Rice
Founder and CEO
Fair Trade USA
Ed Ruiz
CIO
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)
Chase Russell
Senior Vice President, Product Strategy
Bonterra
Samir Shah
VP Software Engineering
AARP
Dena Trujillo
CEO
Crisis Text Line
David White
Senior Vice President of Technology
RTI International
Sarah Wilber
VP, Capital Campaigns and Strategic Planning
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Scott Wood
SVP of Technology
Waterford.org
Dominic Delmolino
VP, Worldwide Public Sector Technology and Innovation
AWS
Sri Elaprolu
Global Head, Generative AI Innovation Center
AWS
Mike George
Principal Nonprofit Solutions Architect
AWS
Ankit Malhotra
Principal Genomics
AWS
David Marsh
Senior Nonprofit Solutions Architect
AWS
Sabrina Petruzzo
Nonprofit Solutions Architect
AWS
Sasha Rubel
Head of AI/ML, EMEA
AWS
Lauren Stovall
Global Head, Nonprofit Programs
AWS
Dr. Angela Shippy
Senior Physician Executive
AWS
Justin Stanley
Principal Nonprofit Solutions Architect
AWS
Ben Turnbull
Senior Nonprofit Solutions Architect
AWS
H I G H L I G H T S
What to expect at IMAGINE: Nonprofit
IMAGINE sponsors
Join our AWS Partners sponsoring the IMAGINE: Nonprofit conference. Find inspiration from customer stories and learn how AWS Partners can build solutions to achieve your mission. Hear from organizations like yours on how and why they migrated to the AWS Cloud.
Platinum sponsor
Gold sponsors
F I N D O U T M O R E
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
-
Where and when will the IMAGINE: Nonprofit conference take place?
The in-person event will take place Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in Arlington, VA at Amazon Headquarters at 510 14th St S Arlington, VA 22202.
-
Who should attend?
Nonprofit leaders, technologists, and innovators across mission-driven organizations who are interested in learning more about how technology can transform the fundraiser, volunteer, and beneficiary experience.
-
Why should I attend?
This no-cost conference brings together the nonprofit community to learn, network, and innovate on how cloud technology can drive positive impact for people and the planet. Attendees will hear inspiring sessions led by nonprofit industry leaders, will glean insights from technical sessions led by AWS experts, and they will have the opportunity to meet with teams from across Amazon who are dedicated to supporting nonprofits with resources and benefits.
-
Is there a cost to attend?
No. Registration is complimentary for this event.
-
How can I contact the IMAGINE: Nonprofit conference planning team?
Contact us at aws-imagine-nonprofit@amazon.com.
-
Is there an online or virtual component of the IMAGINE: Nonprofit conference?
No, there is not. However, on-demand sessions will be made available.
-
What’s the best way to get to HQ2 and where should I stay?
Getting to HQ2
Metro
- Pentagon City Metro (blue, yellow lines) is a 9 minute, flat walk
Driving
- HQ2 is about a 25-40 minute drive from most places in DC, depending on traffic.
- For GPS- AWS WAS17 - Amazon Merlin building, 510 14th St S, Arlington VA 22202
- If you chose to park in the garage, it is located immediately underneath the HQ2 Event's Center (510 14th St S). There are 2 entrances to the parking garage, one located on Elm Street next to the WAS17 loading dock and the other located on 13th Street between Elm and Eads. Parking is $21/per day. Take the elevator to the first floor.
Biking
- Onsite bike storage is located on the 1st floor inside the entrance off of 14th Street. All are responsible for securing your own bicycle.
Where to Stay
The closest airport to HQ2 is Ronald Regan National Airport (DCA). It is less than a 15 minute drive to HQ2.
Walkable:
Short ride:
-
What accessible services will be available?
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Assistive Listening
- Designated Seating
Note that all spaces are fully ADA accessible.
-
Are lactation rooms available?
Yes. There will be 1 designated lactation room designed to provide a private, secure space for lactating attendees to express milk. The room is equipped with a Symphony® Medela Hospital Grade Pump, pump wipes, storage bags, and nursing pads. Individuals are responsible for bringing their own tubes, valves, shields and bottles.
-
Will there be opportunities for me to connect with AWS experts 1:1?
Yes. IMAGINE: Nonprofit Conference will feature an Impact Lounge, Solutions Hub, Speaker Lounge, Sponsor Booths, and space for 1:1 meetings with the AWS Nonprofits team. Come with questions, let us help you find solutions.
IMAGINE: Nonprofit 2024
Attendees will hear inspiring sessions led by nonprofit industry leaders, will glean insights from technical sessions led by AWS experts, and they will have the opportunity to meet with teams from across Amazon who are dedicated to supporting nonprofits with resources and benefits.
Latest conference updates
Sign up to get the latest updates about IMAGINE: Nonprofit 2025 and future events.
Our nonprofit solutions architects are here to answer your most pressing questions about AWS products, services, and getting started.