Tech2Empower NYC/SF for Immigrant & Refugee Action
Advisor Application
New York, NY | Friday, October 9, 2026
San Francisco, CA | Friday, October 16, 2026
Thank you for your interest in volunteering as an Advisor for Tech2Empower in New York or San Francisco this October.
This year's program is dedicated to supporting nonprofits that serve immigrant and refugee communities — communities navigating an exceptionally difficult moment. Many are facing heightened fear, uncertainty, and direct threats to their safety and stability, while the organizations working alongside them are stretched thin. The work these nonprofits do matters now in ways it hasn't in years, and they need allies with the right skills to help them meet the moment.
That's where Tech2Empower comes in. A project of WAKE — Women's Alliance for Knowledge Exchange — Tech2Empower is built on the idea that technology, volunteerism, and collaboration can be harnessed to address the most pressing issues facing our communities. The program connects skilled tech and industry professionals — that's you — with local nonprofits for a single day of focused, high-impact project work designed to help them serve their communities more effectively.
To get a sense of the kinds of projects you might take on, take a look at the 2025 impact projects submitted by participating nonprofits. Once you're confirmed as an Advisor, you'll have the chance to review the 2026 projects and identify where your skills can make the biggest difference.
As a Tech2Empower Advisor, you'll:
- Join a small team of fellow Advisors with complementary skills, all matched to support a nonprofit serving immigrant and refugee communities on a project that strengthens their operations and expands their impact.
- Build community with social impact leaders and fellow Advisors.
- Connect with peers from top tech companies and others committed to social change.
- Grow personally and professionally through a deeper understanding of the issues facing our communities — and the people working on the front lines.
What participation looks like
- In-person collaboration day: Advisors spend a full day working with their nonprofit partner — either in New York on Friday, October 9, 2026 (9am–5pm ET) or in San Francisco on Friday, October 16, 2026 (9am–5pm PT).
- Follow-up support: In the weeks after the in-person day, Advisors finalize any work that wasn't completed, answer follow-up questions, and provide virtual support as nonprofits implement their projects. This wraps up by Friday, October 30, 2026, when the program officially closes (about 1–3 hours total).
What we ask of Advisors
If you're matched with a nonprofit, you'll commit to:
- Attending a virtual orientation, the full in-person collaboration day, follow-up project work as needed, and a closing virtual call.
- Making or fundraising a $600 donation ($300 with corporate matching) to help us deliver a quality program. This tax-deductible contribution is what allows us to offer Tech2Empower to participating nonprofits at no cost. WAKE can support you with fundraising, matching, and sponsorship opportunities — just ask.
We accept Advisor applications on a rolling basis, so please apply soon to secure your spot.
Tech2Empower is an initiative of WAKE, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco. We partner with local organizations for all of our initiatives. We are committed to making Tech2Empower a rich, rewarding, inclusive and meaningful experience for Advisors and local participants. The WAKE team will provide assistance with all aspects of the Tech2Empower program, including relevant materials, background information and ongoing support to ensure Advisors are well-prepared for their roles, meet inspiring leaders, and have unique learning and volunteer experiences.
Note: This application is mostly multiple choice and should take less than 15 minutes to complete. You may SAVE your application and continue later by clicking on SAVE and CONTINUE LATER (at top of the page following the page you have completed).