8. Priscilla Chan's Two Words
The first talk you could have seen on the first morning of SXSW was Priscilla Chan, talking about the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CGI). if you did, you would have heard a fascinating insight into a diverse, inventive, extremely ambitious operation.
CGI is a massive philanthropic organisation. It uses the personal wealth of Chan and her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, as well as the technological heft of Facebook, to effect huge social impact. They use technology to provide differentiated learning options for every child in a class, to improve the systems and outcomes of the justice system, and to affect public health. Their health goal is to - wait for it - find a cure for all known diseases by the end of the century.
Why limit yourselves?
The focus is on technology, and making the benefits of tech available to all . 'Technology is synonymous with possibility,' she said. Still there's an understanding of the human element. 'The deepest moments of learning come from moments of real connection.'
The CGI organisation is purposefully diverse - and has a strongly female leadership, not just because thats a good thing to do, but because it's pragmatic. 'The diverse backgrounds of the people at the table makes us better.'
Chan was asked if CGI is an attempt to improve the perception of Facebook, which she strongly denied, saying there were many easier ways of achieveing that. Ultimately, CGI is bound with who she is, a child of refugees, who says 'it's a miracle I'm even here.' When asked if she had a single message, she said 'Give back.'
Give back. Simple, and repeated throughout SXSW. Follow this blog and find out how, and why.
CGI is a massive philanthropic organisation. It uses the personal wealth of Chan and her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, as well as the technological heft of Facebook, to effect huge social impact. They use technology to provide differentiated learning options for every child in a class, to improve the systems and outcomes of the justice system, and to affect public health. Their health goal is to - wait for it - find a cure for all known diseases by the end of the century.
Why limit yourselves?
The focus is on technology, and making the benefits of tech available to all . 'Technology is synonymous with possibility,' she said. Still there's an understanding of the human element. 'The deepest moments of learning come from moments of real connection.'
The CGI organisation is purposefully diverse - and has a strongly female leadership, not just because thats a good thing to do, but because it's pragmatic. 'The diverse backgrounds of the people at the table makes us better.'
Chan was asked if CGI is an attempt to improve the perception of Facebook, which she strongly denied, saying there were many easier ways of achieveing that. Ultimately, CGI is bound with who she is, a child of refugees, who says 'it's a miracle I'm even here.' When asked if she had a single message, she said 'Give back.'
Give back. Simple, and repeated throughout SXSW. Follow this blog and find out how, and why.
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