CTIA Wireless Foundation Catalyst Events
OZ in DC!
In its opening year, Objective Zero Foundation was named 1st place winner for CTIA Wireless Foundations’ Catalyst 2020 Grant. CTIA Wireless Foundation created Catalyst to support social entrepreneurs who make an impact using 5G technology. Due to the pandemic, in-person events and celebrations were canceled until this year. On September 14, 2022, CTIA Wireless Foundation held its first in-person event to celebrate Catalyst 2022 and Catalyst Alumni. Objective Zero’s Executive Director Betsey Mercado and Program Manager Glori Fernandez attended the event. We were thrilled for the opportunity to meet fellow Catalyst grant recipients and the amazing team at CTIA Wireless and CTIA Wireless Foundation, especially as September is Suicide Prevention Month.
The day started with a Catalyst Award Luncheon for 2022 winners, alumni, and the Foundation Board. This was an opportunity for everyone to meet and receive awards. Later in the evening, Betsey and Glori attended the VIP Reception held for the Catalyst Board, sponsors, participants, and CTIA Executives. Following the VIP reception, the Catalyst celebration took place with leaders representing the wireless industry, policymakers on Capitol Hill, and the Federal Communications Committee. Events like these are important to build and maintain connections, network, and celebrate the big wins. It’s impressive to see how these individuals and organizations are using wireless technology to influence the world around them in a positive way.
Another highlight of this trip was the opportunity to “work” in the same place for a couple of days! Objective Zero has always been a remote organization- years before the pandemic- with our founders, staff, and volunteers contributing from all over the United States and even abroad! With a day open to explore, Betsey and Glori connected and spent the morning sightseeing while discussing plans for Objective Zero. Washington DC is full of history and a reminder of the sacrifices of those that have served. Choosing to walk the National Mall area they first saw the letters that spelled out HOPE, witnessed a Veterans Honor Flight in front of the Lincoln Memorial, and stood steps from the Presidential Motorcade. The night ended with a little over 24k steps only to wake up the next morning for a fun-filled day celebrating Catalyst.
A big thank you to CTIA Wireless Foundation for not only the Catalyst Events, but also for their continued support of Objective Zero!
“The CTIA Wireless Foundation’s Catalyst Grant has allowed Objective Zero to get the military and veteran community connected to support, when they need it, from wherever they are, every single day.”