Plug In. Show Up. Share. Build.
Hello/Hola!
Over the past few years, Universal Tech Movement (UTM) has worked intentionally to cultivate a tech ecosystem dedicated to connecting communities to the tech industry through workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement. But an ecosystem only thrives when its members are engaged.
Engagement looks like showing up.
It looks like inviting others in.
It looks like sharing opportunities with your network.
One of the simplest — and most powerful — ways to stay connected is by attending UTM events and spreading the word. Here are two events we have coming up!
Horizons: Featuring MiKayla Chinn - Our upcoming Horizons event will spotlight one of our very own UTM volunteers, MiKayla Chinn. Horizons is designed to give you direct access to real stories, pathways, and insights from individuals actively navigating the tech space. So register, mark your calendars and tune live via FB, IG, YouTube or LinkedIn as MiKayla shares her unique tech journey to becoming a software engineer at General Motors.
Black History Month Hangover - Black history isn’t confined to one month — and neither is our commitment to honoring innovation, resilience, and excellence. UTM’s Black History Month Hangover event continues the celebration by highlighting culture, community, and the critical role we play in shaping the future of tech. Register today!
Special thanks to our community partners, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Austin Professionals and ATX in Color for helping to spread the word and encouraging folks to attend.
When you attend UTM events, you’re not just sitting in a room — you’re strengthening an ecosystem. So take action today:
Register for our upcoming events
Forward this newsletter to 3 people in your network
Share our social media posts online
Personally invite someone who needs to be in these spaces
Ecosystems grow through participation. Let’s continue showing up and building together!
See you soon,
The UTM Team
Data center development moratorium rejected
Texas Tech News — Local leaders in Hood County, Texas, recently voted down a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center and industrial development amid the AI infrastructure boom. The decision follows public debate about local authority, economic impact, and how to balance growth with community resources. As Texas continues to position itself as a major tech hub, discussions about how to responsibly expand infrastructure — and who benefits from it — are increasingly important for workforce opportunities and equitable community development.
U.S. data center expansion faces community challenges
National Tech News — Not in Texas? Across the United States, the rapid expansion of AI data centers — crucial to powering modern tech services — is facing growing community resistance, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure strain as well. Projects are being delayed or canceled due to logistical, environmental, and grassroots opposition, raising questions about workforce readiness, equitable economic gains, and long-term sustainability in communities that often bear the brunt of tech development without commensurate benefits
Global AI Impact Summit frames international cooperation
Global Tech News — At the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, leaders from more than 80 countries came together to shape a collaborative global vision for artificial intelligence that uplifts shared prosperity rather than entrenched dominance. The initiative emphasized ethical governance, inclusive access, and cross-national cooperation — priorities that resonate with efforts to close digital divides and expand opportunities for historically underrepresented communities around the world.
ScaleUp Bootcamp
Wednesday | Feb 25 | 4-7 PM CT | In-Person
This intensive bootcamp is designed for entrepreneurs and early-stage founders looking to accelerate their venture’s growth. Learn practical frameworks for scaling operations, refining your business model, and accessing capital — all while connecting with local tech innovators and potential collaborators.
The Data Portability Hackathon: Building Human-Centered AI
Wednesday | Feb. 25 | 6-8:30 PM CT | Virtual
Join the Austin Forum for this virtual event as they welcome Lionel Felix, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Felix Media Solutions and Founder of StructureSense.AI--and one of the city's foremost experts in smart infrastructure--for an overview of the current landscape of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and implementation considerations. Drawing on his experience managing complex, mission-critical AV and automation environments, Lionel will share the latest best practices for building systems that are resilient, secure, and—most importantly—functional.
Applied AI Live: 2 – Agentic GTM Masterclass & OpenClaw Guardrails Mastermind
Thursday| Feb. 26 | 5:30-8:00 PM | Virtual
Deepen your understanding of agentic AI and go-to-market strategies in this virtual masterclass and mastermind session. Aspiring builders and tech professionals will learn how to structure AI products, establish safety guardrails, and position innovations for real-world impact.
