I’ve officially been using AI, specifically ChatGPT, for over a year now, though, for much of that time, it was on a surface level. Midway through my AI exploration, I upgraded to the Pro version at $20/month, and wow, what a game-changer.
With access to more advanced tools, I started using AI not just for work, but for everything: building vacation itineraries, creating shopping lists, researching new cars, editing resumes, you name it. But more importantly, it began transforming my daily nonprofit tasks. I suddenly found myself working smarter and faster. From donor communications to strategy planning, AI began unlocking a level of efficiency I never thought possible.
And that’s when it hit me: as someone with zero technical background and over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, I had barely scratched the surface of what AI could really do for organizations like mine.
So, I made a vow to learn AI not just as a tool, but as a mindset. To embrace it from the inside out, and take this blog, Impact Tech Chronicles, on the journey with me.
Why I Attended Snowflake Dev Day 2025
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, the tech capital of the country, I started searching for beginner-friendly AI and data events that could help deepen my understanding. After combing through a dozen or so options, I landed on Snowflake Dev Day 2025.
I’ll be honest, I was nervous. This was way outside my comfort zone. But I knew I had to take the leap. And I’m so glad I did.
Dev Day turned out to be one of the most insightful, motivating days I’ve experienced in my AI journey so far. It gave me a rare peek behind the curtain of how AI tools and cloud technology are reshaping the way organizations, yes, even nonprofits, can operate smarter.
The Session That Shifted Everything
One session in particular changed the game for me: “Navigating the AI Transformation.” This wasn’t a dry, jargon-heavy talk; it was an approachable, values-based conversation about how any organization can begin embracing AI in ways that feel ethical, impactful, and sustainable.
What stood out most was the emphasis on aligning AI with human-centered values, something we in the nonprofit world live by. It made me realize that this technology isn’t just about efficiency or automation. It’s about empowerment. It’s about enabling mission-driven organizations to stretch their resources, expand their reach, and better serve their communities.
From Overwhelm to Opportunity
The day was full of hands-on demos, conversations with developers, and presentations on everything from AI automation to data collaboration. And despite my lack of tech experience, I never once felt out of place.
In fact, several attendees lit up when I shared my vision: to one day (hopefully) build an AI-powered assistant app for nonprofits and to use this blog as a platform to educate nonprofit professionals about AI in everyday, practical ways.
I left with a notebook full of ideas and a heart full of fire. The world of nonprofit AI technology isn’t something I’m just dabbling in anymore; it’s something I’m committed to understanding and sharing.
What This Means for Nonprofits
To my fellow nonprofit professionals, executive directors, fundraisers, admin staff, and program managers: you don’t need to be a coder to tap into the power of AI. You just need to be curious, open, and willing to try.
AI is already helping nonprofits:
- Automate repetitive tasks like data entry and volunteer tracking
- Improve donor engagement through personalized messaging and outreach
- Enhance storytelling by turning raw data into visual narratives
- Streamline operations across teams and departments
And trust me, this is only the beginning.
What’s Next for Me and for This Blog
Attending Snowflake Dev Day 2025 confirmed what I’ve been feeling for a while now: there’s room for us in this tech conversation. And this blog, Impact Tech Chronicles, is where I plan to continue sharing the journey.
I’ll be posting insights on:
- Easy-to-use AI tools for nonprofits
- Step-by-step guides for applying AI to daily nonprofit tasks
- Recaps of tech events and training opportunities
- Interviews with nonprofit leaders using AI
- Beginner-friendly breakdowns of the latest trends in nonprofit technology
If you’re curious about how to use AI in the nonprofit sector, or if you’re simply trying to keep up in an ever-evolving digital landscape, I hope this space becomes your trusted companion.
Let’s learn together. Let’s build smarter. And let’s use technology to amplify the heart of what we do.