📢 As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, foundations and nonprofits are beginning to explore how these tools can enhance strategy, operations, and grantmaking. But with innovation comes responsibility.

Join us for an interactive session exploring:

• How do we integrate AI responsibly?

• What guidelines are needed for ethical use?

• How can we use AI to advance equity — not just efficiency?

This session is designed for nonprofit and foundation professionals who are exploring, piloting, or planning AI initiatives. You’ll gain insights, connect with peers, and engage in rich discussion about the future of AI in philanthropy.

📍 Virtual via Zoom | Open to the community
👥 Hosted for EPIP members – All Chapters Welcome!

🔍 What You’ll Gain:

• Real-world examples of how foundations are using AI — the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned

• A space to reflect on equity in AI use — both internally and in service to communities

• The chance to build community with others navigating similar questions and initiatives

Let’s come together to co-create a more ethical and equitable approach to AI in our sector.

Speakers: 

• Chantal Forster, AI Strategist, Warren West Advisors 

Chantal Forster is a socio-technical advisor and nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience navigating the intersection of technology and society. As the co-author of the Responsible AI Adoption Framework for Philanthropy and former Executive Director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG), Chantal brings a nuanced understanding of how technology can drive systemic impact while aligning with the public interest. She has served as the AI Strategy Resident for the Annenberg Foundation and advises numerous foundations on responsible AI adoption and stewardship.

• Jacqui Watts, Learning & Insights Lead, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation 

As the Learning & Insights Lead at the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Jacqui builds resources and learning experiences to support organizations on their journey adopting AI for social good. Prior to working in philanthropy, Jacqui has crafted learning programs for a range of nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including human-centered design resources for IDEO.org, a tech apprenticeship program for Airbnb, and workforce development trainings for Code Tenderloin. Along the way, she developed her technical chops through a software engineering bootcamp and put those skills into practice on Khan Academy’s Infrastructure team.

Facilitators + Moderator:

• Amanda Reed, Program & Systems Officer, Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Amanda Reed, MPA, MPH is a Program and Systems Officer at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, where she supports the capacity building grant program and works to improve internal workflows. Her focus is on helping health-focused organizations build the infrastructure and systems they need to carry out their work effectively. With a background in public health and public administration, and experience in academia, consulting, philanthropy, and a small nonprofit, Amanda is especially interested in how data, collaboration, and practical tools can strengthen the nonprofit sector. Her research has been published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, and she has presented at national public health conferences. Outside of work, she enjoys fashion, art, food festivals, live music, and giving lots of love to her French bulldog, Betty.

• Pete Schmitke, Director, Information Technology, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. 

Pete, a Flat Rock resident, has over 14 years of IT experience. He holds more than a dozen Salesforce certifications and has led over 100 Salesforce implementations. At the Foundation, Pete leads technology transformation efforts, manages key relationships with technology vendors and consultants, and oversees the continuous improvement of IT infrastructure. He also developed the organization’s first AI policy, guiding responsible and ethical adoption of emerging technologies.

• Roxana Martinelli, Program Manager, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Roxana is a program manager at the New Economy Initiative. She brings a global perspective to her work, with experience in information and technology companies and as a program manager for projects across Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. She holds two degrees from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and a master’s from Johns Hopkins University. Her career has included roles at the World Bank, the European Union, UN Women, and the Inter-American Development Bank, focusing on social sustainability, gender equality, and inclusive economic development. She is particularly interested in the responsible use of AI in philanthropy and serves on the EPIP Michigan Steering Committee.

• Veronica Marchese, Program Officer, Community Health & Capacity Building, Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Veronica Marchese is the Program Officer of Community Health and Capacity Building at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, where she manages a portfolio of grants focused on community-driven solutions and a nonprofit capacity-building toolbox. Veronica joined the Health Fund in 2020 as the Grants Associate and then Grants Manager, where she worked to manage overall grant efforts and ensure compliance with due diligence. She currently serves as a Steering Committee Member for the Michigan Chapter of EPIP and as a Committee Member for the Council of Michigan Foundation's Membership Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, with a minor in Health Promotion from Michigan State University. In her free time, she enjoys building her Good Reads list, trying new restaurants in Detroit, and photoshopping friends and colleagues at request.