UTM’s Movement in Motion
Hello/Hola!
This week, Universal Tech Movement is excited to share the impact our organization has had over the past year.
What started in Austin has now reached communities across 20+ states and multiple continents, connecting people across the globe to real opportunities in tech.
What’s even more impressive than our organization’s ability to grow and scale has been our ability to expand access to the tech industry. This expansion has created impactful outcomes for the communities we serve.
This year alone, hundreds of people entered our pipeline—from removing barriers and creating digital equity, to hands-on training, and landing a new tech job, Universal Tech Movement is changing lives in measurable ways.
Behind all these number is someone who didn’t just learn—they transitioned, overcame barriers like access, transportation, or financial constraints, and is now contributing to the tech economy and ecosystem.
None of our work happens in isolation. It’s powered by a growing tech ecosystem of employer partners, community organizations, and volunteers working together to create pathways that didn’t exist before.
And that’s what makes Universal Tech Movement so powerful. We are not just preparing people for jobs—we’re helping to build a tech ecosystem for all where everyone can thrive.
If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, this is your moment to step in. The next chapter of this movement is being written right now—and there’s a role for you in it.
For those of you who have been part of our movement towards a tech ecosystem for all, thank you! We couldn’t connect communities to the tech industry through workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement without you!
With gratitude,
-Universal Tech Movement team
Tech Bytes Recap
Didn’t get to attend Tech Bytes last week? We’ve got your event recap right here! One reoccurring theme in the conversation was this: AI isn’t something happening to us—it’s something we have to actively shape.
Our Tech Bytes panelists (left to right: Niky Wooding, Sumaya Owens, Gina Rosenthal, and Noopur Gupta) pictured with UTM CEO and President, Michael Ward Jr., and our panel moderator, Meme Styles (end).
Our panel brought together voices from across tech, law, and community advocacy to unpack what AI really means beyond the headlines. The conversation moved quickly past hype into real questions: Who is building these systems? Who benefits? And who gets left out if communities aren’t involved early?
Panelists highlighted both sides of the moment we’re in. AI is accelerating access—helping people learn faster, build businesses, and navigate complex systems. But it’s also raising real concerns around data ownership, privacy, infrastructure, and accountability. From how data centers impact local communities to how everyday users unknowingly train AI systems, the message was clear: participation matters.
The strongest takeaway? Community voices aren’t optional—they’re essential. Whether it’s showing up to local conversations, building with intention, or simply learning how these tools work, our panel moderator Meme Styles stressed that the future of tech will be shaped by those who engage in “interrogative reasoning.”
So constantly ask critical questions about AI systems and their impact. Who’s making decisions? Who’s affected when communities are left out of the loop? Is feedback being applied before these systems scale and cause harm?
As one speaker put it, the future isn’t just artificial intelligence—it’s authentic intelligence. And that future depends on all of us.
