On Saturday, Nov. 2, The Tech Interactive will honor Julie Packard, an international leader in ocean conservation, with the 2019 James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award, presented by Applied Materials, Inc., at the third annual Tech for Global Good celebration. That night, The Tech will also unveil the newest version of its annual exhibition that tells the stories of organizations using technology to make the world a better place. This year, the organizations — called Tech for Global Good laureates – are working on issues of equity in technology and civic life.
“We are delighted to celebrate Julie Packard and this year’s laureates,” said Tim Ritchie, president and CEO of The Tech. “Their stories inspire all of us to join in the project of empowering people of all backgrounds with the tools and technologies that will shape our future.”
Julie Packard is executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which she helped found in the late 1970s, and chairs the board of the independent Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Through her support of conservation, education and ocean research, she is helping sustain a world capable of supporting the next generation, one that will be prepared to care for their world.
“I’m humbled to join the distinguished recipients of The Tech’s Global Humanitarian Award, and grateful for the recognition that a healthy ocean is vital to our lives and our future,” Packard said. “Monterey Bay Aquarium’s roots are deep in Silicon Valley. The Valley’s spirit of innovation infuses our work to study the ocean, inspire the public and prepare new generations of science-literate young people who will be ready to act and protect our ocean planet.”
The James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals whose vision and leadership are focused on solving global problems. Previous recipients include Bill Gates, Al Gore and Queen Rania Al Abdullah. The award is named after Jim Morgan, Chairman Emeritus of Applied Materials and a recipient of the National Medal of Technology.
“Julie Packard’s dedication to safeguarding healthy oceans is making a huge contribution to preserving our planet,” said Joe Pon, corporate vice president at Applied Materials. “Threatened habitats are now thriving thanks to Julie, while each year countless families discover a new love and respect for our fragile oceans when they come face to face with the sea at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.”
The Tech for Global Good program is an expansion of The Tech Awards, founded in 2001 to recognize innovators using technology to benefit humanity. The program is also supported by a student board of 12 local high school students, who are organizing the second annual Youth Climate Action Summit at The Tech Interactive on March 7, 2020.
Tech for Global Good 2019-20 laureates
Zipline International
Founded in 2011
Mission: Deliver life-saving medicine to women during childbirth in Rwanda and Ghana
What they do: Zipline International built a drone delivery system to reach underserved populations with medical supplies, providing 11 million people quick access to critical medicines.
AI4ALL
Founded in 2017
Mission: Diversify the field of artificial intelligence
What they do: AI4ALL is dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in artificial intelligence education, research, development and policy. AI4ALL is working to ensure that AI benefits humanity by including girls, women, people of color and other underrepresented communities.
Solvatten
Founded in 2006
Mission: Increase access to safe water in 20 developing nations
What they do: Solvatten built a portable device that uses solar energy to purify water, making it easier for women and underserved populations to access safe drinking supplies.
Amandla Mobi
Founded in 2014
Mission: Improving the lives of marginalized populations in South Africa
What they do: Amandla Mobi uses social media platforms to engage and mobilize citizens to make a difference in the civic life of communities in South Africa. The Amandla Mobi platform has 200,000 members and has influenced legislation enabling community access to digital technology and improving the overall safety of women and girls.
