Empower with Empathy: Product Pitches for Social Good | BRIDGEGOOD

Join us for a powerful afternoon of original ideas and fresh thinking as BRIDGEGOOD brings together industry leaders, emerging UX talent, and mission-driven supporters at “Empower with Empathy.”

We’re pioneering the use of UX, AI, and design to drive social good: opening doors for new voices and making a proven impact for nearly two decades.

Why attend?

For almost twenty years, BRIDGEGOOD has opened doors for designers, job seekers, and community members who have been left out of the tech and creative industries. Our free programs equip people with real-world skills, meaningful connections, and the chance to launch life-changing careers. We believe opportunity should be accessible to everyone—no matter your background.

See firsthand why BRIDGEGOOD is vital to our community, and how your involvement helps us expand opportunity for all:

• Meet our truly talented UX designers: each part of one of our five in-house UX agencies: Common Thread, Open Hand, Next Gen, Bloom, and JAAM
• Experience five bold product pitches that merge AI, creativity, accessiblity, and tech-for-good
• Meet the passionate BRIDGEGOOD staff and experience our impact up close
• Connect with local talent, creative thinkers, and industry professionals
• Find out how you can be part of building a more inclusive, equitable future

Whether you want to expand your network, support community innovation, or simply see what’s possible when design and purpose come together..this event is for you.

Thursday, August 15, 2025

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM; Please arrive by 1:45 PM)

Wells Fargo Connections Space

1755 Grant Street, Concord, CA 94520

Come for the ideas. Stay for the impact. Be part of our BRIDGEGOOD story!

"Empower with Empathy" is your opportunity to:

• Meet rising and work-ready BRIDGEGOOD UX design talent from diverse backgrounds
• Connect with industry leaders and local creatives focused on social impact
• See how design tackles real issues faced by our community
• Network directly with Executive Director Shaun Tai, Board President Brodie Rich, and the BRIDGEGOOD team
• Enjoy free pizza, great vibes, and real conversations with our community

Thanks to Wells Fargo, admission is free and everyone’s welcome.

Whether you’re a design student, tech professional, employer, or supporter of equitable opportunity, you’ll leave inspired and ready to #DesignForSocialGood.

About BRIDGEGOOD:

BRIDGEGOOD is an award-winning nonprofit based in Oakland, dedicated to creating economic empowerment, belonging, and career mobility for job seekers of color since 2009. We provide free access to technology, design career pathways, and professional growth. We have helped nearly 19,000 people launch new careers. Our mission is simple: use design and technology to create real opportunities, a sense of belonging, and social good for everyone.

About the UX Design Apprenticeship:

BRIDGEGOOD’s 3-month apprenticeship program gives student designers hands-on experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design. Apprentices receive practical training, one-on-one coaching, and connections to real industry projects, setting them up for success, belonging, and upward mobility in the tech and creative industries.

Program Contact:

Elisa Feng, Program Manager, [email protected], 510.435.2945

Learn about BRIDGEGOOD's community impact:

• bridgegood.org
• x.com/bridgegood
• instagram.com/bridgegoodcom
• youtube.com/bridgegood
• bridgegood.org/donate

Make a tax-deductible donation to BRIDGEGOOD:

• bridgegood.org/donate
• Venmo & CashApp @BRIDGEGOOD

Info: Doors open at 1:30 PM. We recommend arriving early to grab your spot—seating is limited and this event fills up fast.

Info: Hear from BRIDGEGOOD’s inspiring leaders: Executive Director Shaun Tai (5x 40-Under-40 honoree, Jefferson Medal Award recipient), Program Manager Elisa Feng, and Product Manager Mubarak Haruna as they share stories from the front lines of design for social good. Get an inside look at how BRIDGEGOOD’s 3-month apprenticeship transforms student designers into rising UX and UI professionals, providing real-world skills, mentorship, and a powerful launchpad for creative careers. Don’t miss this chance to learn how the next generation of talent is shaping the future of tech and design.

Info: Experience five dynamic team presentations as BRIDGEGOOD design groups unveil their final #DesignForSocialGood app prototypes. Each project tackles real ways to support diverse creatives in breaking into and thriving within the design and tech industries. See fresh ideas, creative solutions, and the passion behind tomorrow’s changemakers.

Info: Enjoy networking and help us celebrate the supporters, volunteers, and donors who make BRIDGEGOOD’s impact possible. Join us in sharing gratitude and building community. #DesignForSocialGood

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wells Fargo Connections Space, 1755 Grant Street, Concord, United States