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How Nonprofits Are Reimagining AI — Reflections from the 2025 Global Washington Annual Conference

Written By Spreeha Foundation
Originally posted on the Spreeha Foundation website 12/9/25

Artificial intelligence has been an emerging subject in nonprofit circles for several years, often sitting at the periphery of conversations – either viewed with skepticism or treated as something that belonged primarily to corporate or academic domains. At this year’s Global Washington Annual Conference in Seattle, that perception appeared to shift. The tone of the discussion was notably different: nonprofit leaders were not debating whether AI mattered, but rather seeking clarity on how to integrate it responsibly, meaningfully, and in ways that enhance service delivery for communities.

This evolving mindset framed one of the conference’s first dedicated AI workshops, featuring Michael Tjalve, PhD, Board Chair of Spreeha Foundation, as a panelist alongside development leaders Paul Essene of Opportunity International and Cameron Birge of Microsoft. The session centered on practical considerations for mission-driven organizations exploring AI, balancing its potential to strengthen nonprofit work with a clear-eyed discussion of limitations, risks, and organizational readiness.

Michael Tjalve with co-panelists Paul Essene and Cameron Birge at the Conference

Spreeha’s Perspective: Application Over Abstraction

Spreeha Foundation’s contribution to the conversation was rooted in operational experience rather than theory. As an organization operating a tech-enabled urgent care network in Bangladesh, Spreeha has been testing how digital tools and carefully designed AI-assisted systems can support frontline healthcare delivery. Current efforts focus on strengthening triage decision-making, providing structured decision-support guidance for health workers, improving diagnostic and referral pathways, and designing follow-up systems for patients managing chronic conditions.

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This Is What Mobilizing Looks Like: 2025 Conference Recap

Each year, GlobalWA convenes the global development community at Washington State’s premier global development event. This year, nearly 250 attendees gathered at the Microsoft Conference Center in Redmond under the theme Mobilizing Washington State for Global Impact to explore how local leadership, partnerships, and bold collaboration can drive systemic change worldwide.

This year’s conference felt especially urgent. At a moment when many across the sector are searching for a path forward after a challenging year, the value of gathering in person was palpable. GlobalWA Executive Director Elizabeth Stokely opened the day with a story about her 3-year-old son going to “work” with her, play doctor’s kit in hand. This child’s innate desire to help others was a perfect representation of the longing we all feel to make the world a better place, even as we carry collective grief. While there was no single “aha” moment, the conference made clear that this was the right place to start.

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A New Way to Connect, Learn, and Lead with GlobalWA

Dear GlobalWA Community, 

We are excited to share Global Washington’s new approach to membership. Based on your feedback, we’ve made improvements to reflect both the evolving needs of our community and our bold new strategy. 

For nearly two decades, GlobalWA has served as the hub for Washington State’s global development community. Together, we’ve built a vibrant ecosystem where nonprofits, philanthropies, businesses, academic institutions, and individuals connect, learn, and amplify their collective impact. As we enter a new phase, we are evolving how we work with you—our members and partners—to ensure our community is more connected, more resilient, and more influential in shaping the future of global development. 

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