We’re Only Human After All – Strengthening the Social Safety Net
Thursday, November 14, 2019, 5:30 – 8:30pm
Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco
Opening Remarks
KP Naidu, VP of Benetech Labs
KP leads the development of new software for social good solutions from prototype to pilot to scale. An experienced product innovator, Naidu has held executive leadership roles across startups and large technology organizations, including Sun Microsystems. Most recently, KP served as SVP of Product Delivery and Engineering at Amava, a startup that he co-founded, which uses technology to improve the lives of seniors. He has a strong knowledge of public sector technology needs, having served as Director of IT Operations for the County of Santa Clara.
Moderator
Kevin Fagan, Reporter, San Francisco Chronicle
Panelists
Kelly Batson, SVP Community Impact, United Way Bay Area
Kelly joined United Way Bay Area (UWBA) in 2006 as a Program Associate with the UWBA Earn It! Keep It! Save It! free tax preparation program and the UWBA leadership team in 2018. Kelly oversees our community impact programs, which includes our programs in 3 focus areas – basic needs, career and employment opportunities and financial stability. Prior to this role, Kelly led our Program Operations, our AmeriCorps VISTA program, the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! and 211 programs.
Erin Connor, Public Benefit Investment Program Manager, Cisco Foundation
Erin manages Cisco’s Critical Human Needs funding portfolio, which provides cash and product grants to non-profits leveraging technology to increase access to food, water, shelter and disaster relief for vulnerable populations. This includes managing Cisco’s $50M commitment to address homelessness in Santa Clara County, as well as support for Benetech’s Service Net. Prior to joining Cisco, Erin spent over a decade in the non-profit sector, managing post-disaster, financial inclusion and technology-for-development programs in Asia and East Africa.
Sherry Novick, Managing Director, Community Benefit Programs, Kaiser Permanente
Sherry oversees the Northern Region’s community benefit portfolio, including charitable care and coverage; partnerships with community health centers and safety net institutions; research, training and education; and investments in programs and services that address community health needs across the Region’s 14-county service area. Sherry is serving on the national team charged with implementing “Thrive Local,” a system that will facilitate patient linkage to social care providers and create an interactive network of agencies available to the entire community.
Betsy Beaumon, CEO, Benetech
Betsy has served in executive leadership roles for both for-profit and nonprofit technology organizations, most recently as Benetech’s President, driving the development and growth of all Benetech initiatives including inclusive education, poverty alleviation, and human rights. She is a social entrepreneur and engineer and has co-founded two software companies, including the first web-based Information and Referral service for human services.
How can cities provide improved visibility and increased access to critical human service solutions that strengthen community resilience and collaboration? As the holidays approach, the social safety net crisis will once again be front and center as San Francisco and the Bay Area face this complex challenge that goes beyond shelter to food, healthcare, job training, childcare, family support services, and legal aid among others.
Benetech is pleased to bring together a panel including representatives from Cisco, United Way Bay Area, and Kaiser Permanente, and an audience of thought leaders, philanthropists, technology providers, and community-based organizations to address this singular mission. Moderated by Kevin Fagan from the San Francisco Chronicle, the discussion will center on community collaboration to enable those who are fighting for equal opportunity and fairness, to have access to the resources they need to live and prosper.
We are confident that disparate organizations can come together to strengthen communities, weave a stronger safety net, and use technology as a force for good.