Deborah Stuligross

Deborah Stuligross

Technology & AI for Social Impact

An entrepreneurial leader helping nonprofits build the understanding and confidence to adopt AI responsibly. I bring decades of software and IT experience, now focused on making emerging technologies accessible and ethical for mission-driven organizations.

What I Do

AI Literacy & Training

Workshops, sprints, and one-on-one coaching for nonprofits navigating AI adoption — from policy and ethics to practical, mission-aligned use.

Speaking & Education

Numerous talks and keynotes reaching hundreds of nonprofit leaders on AI strategy, ethics, environmental impact, and responsible implementation.

Writing

StrefaTECH — over a hundred articles on AI and technology for the social sector, written for practitioners who are curious but not necessarily technical.

Experience

AI Literacy Lead
Tech To The Rescue
2024 – present
Founder & CEO
StrefaTECH
2023 – present
Executive In Residence, Technology
The Forbes Funds
2016 – present
Volunteer (AI & Technology)
Catchafire
2018 – present
Co-host, AI Academy Webinar Series
Dotto Tech
2024

Board & Advisory Work

  • Board Chair — Fine Art Miracles
  • Board Treasurer — Reading Ready Pittsburgh
  • Active advisor and board member with numerous nonprofits

Speaking & Presentations

A sample of recent engagements.

NTC26
Are your AI habits hurting the planet?
CFMC CEO Network
AI Strategy for Nonprofit Leaders
Food Rescue Conference
AI for Nonprofits
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Nonprofits and AI: Benefits, Uses, and Cautionary Tales
GPNP
AI: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
TechSoup
Executive Directors Chat: AI — The Good, the Bad, and the Scary
Roundtable Technology / NYSCAA
AI Affinity Group Do-Fest
Jefferson Regional Foundation
Intro to AI for Nonprofits
tHRive
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Related to Adopting AI in a Nonprofit
Pittsburgh Salesforce Nonprofit User Group
AI and Salesforce

Background

My roots are in engineering and software — I hold an M.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Penn State, and spent years in technical leadership roles including VP of Engineering at a pioneering simulation software company and Director of IT at Eaton, a Fortune 500 global manufacturer.

For the past decade I've been all-in on the nonprofit sector, advising organizations of all sizes on technology strategy, CRM, and now AI — serving as a volunteer, board member, and trusted advisor to dozens of mission-driven organizations.

"I spent decades in technical leadership before pivoting fully to the nonprofit sector — which means I can translate between the engineering mindset and the mission-driven world."

Let's Connect

I'm always happy to meet people doing thoughtful work at the intersection of technology and mission. Whether you're exploring a collaboration, looking for a speaker, or just want to compare notes — reach out.