Musician, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist will.i.am recently received the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award at the Sixth Annual Tech For Global Good celebration.
The award is given each year to recognize individuals whose vision and leadership are focused on solving global problems.
The pop star runs a philanthropic organization called the i.am Angel Foundation which aims to combat inequity in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
Katrina Stevens, President and CEO of The Tech Interactive said, “He embodies the very essence of a global humanitarian who empowers individuals and communities through technology, and his positive influence is undeniable.”
While best known as a solo artist and a member of the 90s rock band The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am also founded a tech startup called i.am+ which has acquired several tech companies.
i.am+ acquired an Israeli AI company, now called over.ai, in 2016 and smart home electronics provider Wink in 2017.
However, it is will.i.am’s philanthropic work which caught the attention of Applied Materials, Inc. – the company that sponsors the James C. Morgan Award.
The i.am Angel Foundation has helped more than 12,000 children between kindergarten and 12th grade in the Los Angeles area have better access to STEAM education by giving after-school tutoring, college prep classes, and college scholarships to students in underprivileged schools.
LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman and will.i.am participated in a fireside chat during the awards ceremony to talk about the state of technology today.
Past recipients of the award include Bill Gates, Al Gore, Dean Kamen, and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.
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