The NTC Foundation Uses Inaugural “Connecting the Dots” Fundraiser to Recognize 3D Technologies Group CEO for Work to Develop Tech Talent in Middle Tennessee.
Nashville, TN: On December 8, 2020, the NTC Foundation (NTCF) held its first annual fundraiser, “Connecting the Dots for our Future Tech Workforce” virtually bringing together more than 100 registrants to support the cause of local tech workforce development. The program’s interactive keynote address was given by Jaime Casap, the digital education visionary who served as Chief Education Evangelist at Google, on the Digitalization Age. Chris Martinez, 3D Technologies Group Founder & CEO, was recognized with the NTCF’s first Visionary Award.
The NTCF builds pathways for technology professionals to invest in tech education for all the students that live in Middle Tennessee – no matter the zip code. Today’s program highlighted the important work the Foundation does as the connector between Middle Tennessee schools, educators, and our local tech professionals, with programs including tech code camps, tech career-focused field trips, and bootcamp-style adult learning, and on-the-job experience apprenticeships.
“The Visionary Award honors the individual in our community who has made the most outstanding contribution to the NTC Foundation to support the betterment of tech education in Middle Tennessee,” explained Sandi Hoff, Executive Director of the NTC Foundation. “I can think of no one that better embodies the bold, innovative, and visionary leadership than Chris Martinez, in his support of technology education and professional development in Middle Tennessee.”
“I am truly honored and humbled by this award. Many businesses and people in the community have opened their calendars to give their time and opened their checkbooks to support these programs. It is a combined effort and we should all be proud to support this great cause,” stated Martinez. “When I was a kid, people bet on me before I had it in me to bet on myself. In my opinion, this is what the NTC Foundation is all about. It is about leveling the playing field for people who need an opportunity. For some that means education and training and for others that is introductions to employers and decision makers or a chance at a new job in tech. For others, it is about building their confidence until they have it in them to bet on themselves.”
“Today’s fundraiser allows the NTC Foundation to build on our mission—to support tech ed and the workforce—one student or worker at a time,” said Hoff. “I’m so grateful for the support of so many organizations and individuals today who continue to enable us to be that “connector” in Middle Tennessee’s tech community.”
Contributions to today’s fundraiser from sponsors and individual donors totaled more than $40,000 on its way to the NTCF’s $50,000 goal for the event. Donors can support the NTCF’s work by volunteering their time and talent and/or contributing funds to the mission. Funds raised support the sustainability and expansion of NTCF tech education programs to fulfill students’ needs all year round.
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For more information, please contact:
Sandi Hoff, Executive Director, NTC Foundation, (615) 398-1587 sandi.hoff@technologycouncil.com
About the NTC Foundation
The NTC Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that builds pathways for technology professionals by investing in creative thinkers and problem solvers. It mobilizes fundraising to support the Greater Nashville Technology Council’s talent development initiatives that enhance technology programs available to students across Middle Tennessee. For more information, please go to: https://nashvilletechnologycouncil.foundation