People often ask us how they can volunteer with TechBridge. Getting involved with TechBridge can start with volunteering to serve on a committee, attending one of our events, or just helping to spread the word about how we help nonprofits through technology solutions. But in addition to listing a few ways to participate, today we’ll introduce you to a woman who really illustrates what being a supporter and active volunteer with TechBridge looks like:

Beth Smith is the quintessential TechBridge volunteer and loyal supporter. She’s Director of Client Engagement at IT firm Corus360, a busy mom, and an avid equestrian. And yet somehow she still finds the time to work with us regularly. And she’s been doing it for nearly a decade!

Beth has worked in IT since she was in her twenties. She laughs when she tells the story, revealing that she started out in mobile development by working on cutting-edge Blackberry technology. Nearly a decade ago, Beth found herself working for a former TechBridge board member and was invited to our annual Digital Ball, where she learned about how we help nonprofits become more efficient through improved technology.

As a techie, Beth was surprised (and more than a little horrified) to learn that instead of using the newest database technology, some nonprofits were still managing their data with big metal filing cabinets. Feeling that cases were surely slipping through the cracks as a result, Beth knew she had to help. To paraphrase the famous line from Casablanca, that was the start of a beautiful friendship.

Since 2008, Beth has adopted multiple nonprofits from our catalog, served on our advisory board, served on the executive committee for our Digital Ball, and so much more. Supporting TechBridge packs a greater-than-usual punch, which appeals to her: By supporting TechBridge I can help 50 to 100 nonprofits with technology.

In addition to being a technology maven, Beth is also passionate about people. For her, the former is no good without the latter. When we asked her, What keeps you working with TechBridge after so long?, Beth responded without hesitation, the people and the technology. She’s truly a part of the TechBridge family.

Beth’s wish for the future? Let’s use tech for good, she says, encouraging corporations to come together to tackle the causes of homelessness and poverty.

You inspire us, Beth. Thanks for being such an amazing supporter and for helping us show that we really are #BetterTogether.

About TechBridge’s #BetterTogether Campaign

TechBridge is proud to have assisted so many organizations on the front lines of social change in our communities — alleviating homelessness, fighting poverty, helping kids do better in school, making sure seniors get proper meals, and so much more.

We created the #BetterTogether campaign so that we can showcase some of the important efforts of the nonprofits and people we’ve worked with. And because social change is a community effort, we also wanted to showcase the generous sponsors, amazing technology partners, tireless volunteers, and TechBridge staff who enable us to do our work.

We feel that these stories exemplify the transformational work that can happen when organizations and individuals work hard — together — towards a common goal. We hope that hearing these stories is as inspirational to you as it is to us.

Photo by Randy Lu.