The 2018 Fairness Matters Impact Awards was a big hit by any measure. Over 300 community members attended the annual benefit event for SMASH, held on May 17th at the Scottish Rite Center on the western shore of Oakland’s Lake Merritt. The theme of impact — of organizations, programs, and perhaps most importantly, by individuals — resounded throughout the evening as members of the extended Kapor Center community demonstrated impact through stories and visuals.
Jesse Williams, entrepreneur, activist, and actor, was the featured speaker and recipient of one of the five impact Awards. SMASH Scholars Moisés Limón and Asia Williams vividly made the case for how SMASH has had a profound and positive effect on their respective lives. The evening culminated with the recognition of four exemplary Bay Area leaders, Monica Ann Arrambide, Idalin Bobé, Claire Shorall, and Justin Steele for their courageous and innovative efforts to expand the access and impact of the tech ecosystem.
This marks the first occasion where the Fairness Matters, historically the primary fundraiser for SMASH, was combined with the second annual presentation of the Kapor Center Impact Awards. The joint celebration magnified the visibility of the event and all involved in it.
Many thanks to Alyana Gomez, the vivacious KTVU news host who served as the emcee; José Corona, who brought welcome and congratulatory greetings from Mayor Libby Schaaf, and the numerous Fairness Matters volunteers and supporters. And a good time was had by all.