Okta’s Nonprofit Technology Fellowship: Empowering nonprofit technology leaders across the globe
Okta for Good is building a safely connected world where everyone can belong and thrive. We believe nonprofits should be as powerful as their missions. Nonprofit organizations do society’s most critical work, and technology is essential to achieving and accelerating their impact. We also recognize that the impact of any technology is ultimately determined by people who understand how it can be a force for good in society.
In 2021, we launched the Nonprofit Technology Fellowship, a program within Okta for Good’s Nonprofit Technology Initiative. Our goal was to empower a diverse collection of rising nonprofit technology leaders, enriching the sector with their experience and making them more effective strategic leaders within their organizations. During the six-month fellowship, each fellow develops at least one significant piece of content, including items like articles, conference sessions, or internal presentations. Fellows also receive professional development through facilitated convenings, coaching, and networking, plus a $25,000 grant from the Okta for Good Fund to their organization.
A transformative experience: Insights from our last cohort
Since 2021, we’ve supported the development of 24 nonprofit technology leaders, strengthening their leadership capacity, facilitating professional growth, and enhancing their visibility as thought leaders.
Nearly 20 Okta leaders engaged with our previous cohort, providing expert insights and mentorship to enhance the fellowship experience and support fellows with the development of their content. Their content explored topics ranging from enhancing the accessibility, security, and scalability of platforms and technologies to ensuring safe generative AI implementation.
“It was an honor to be there to share my experiences and learn so much about the amazing work that these nonprofits are doing to make the world a better place.” — Monica Bajaj, VP of Engineering, Customer Identity at Okta
As a result of their participation, fellows in this cohort reported significant improvements in their confidence in advocating for technology resources with external funders/stakeholders (29%), their ability to develop and communicate a strategic vision for technology within their organizations (25%), and their confidence in making decisions that drive tech adoption within their organization (18%).
“The Fellowship has been a transformative experience, enriching both my professional and personal life. Professionally, it has provided invaluable insights and tools that have significantly enhanced my skills and capabilities. On a personal level, the fellowship has fostered connections with like-minded professionals, creating a supportive and inspiring community. Having the opportunity to learn from experts was amazing.” — Daniela Sarzosa Castillo, Advisor for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning, Technology at Global Communities
Explore fellows’ content pieces
- Public-facing launch of signpostai, a groundbreaking humanitarian AI initiative to de-risk and scale AI in the aid sector by Liam Nicoll, Rescue.org
- Bridging the Gap: What NGOs and Tech Companies Can Learn From Each Other by Lourdes Rivas Güida, World Pulse
- Powering nonprofit volunteer management with seamless tech integration by Mary Zhu, Develop for Good
- Behind the Scenes: Innovation at the Hive by Nicole Smith, USA for UNHCR
Applications are now open
Okta for Good is pleased to invite eligible candidates to apply for the fourth cohort of our Nonprofit Technology Fellowship. This program is for mid- to senior-level nonprofit technology professionals who want to develop their thought leadership to benefit the sector and elevate their strategic leadership within their organizations.
Eligibility
- Our goal is to form a cohort that is diverse in many ways. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
- Candidates must be employed full-time by a 501c3 nonprofit (for US-based organizations) or your country’s equivalent.
- Candidates' jobs should focus primarily or exclusively on technology.
Apply here by Friday, November 22nd 2024
Key dates
- October 30: Information session #1 at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET. Registration required.
- November 13: Information session #2 @4pm PT/7pm ET. Registration required.
- November 22: Applications close.
- January 2025: All candidates are notified of their status.
- February–July 2025: Fellowship program and convenings.
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