AI for Good: Transforming Nonprofit Operations

Barb Hiltz is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where she leverages her expertise as a licensed social worker (LMSW) and holds an EdM in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, focusing on diversity and equity in education. Her work emphasizes the sustainability of community-based organizations, exploring the impacts of innovation, social enterprise, and social entrepreneurship on social service delivery. With over two decades of experience in interpersonal, community, and administrative practice, Hiltz has also held leadership roles, including executive director of a domestic abuse program in St. Louis, MO, and a cancer support organization in Ann Arbor, MI. Notably, she co-founded The Brides Project in 2011, a social enterprise aimed at funding cancer support services.

Brian E. Perron, PhD, serves as a Professor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where he focuses on empowering community-based organizations to enhance service delivery and business operations through effective data utilization. His work encompasses the development of user-friendly data management systems, the creation of interactive data visualizations for easier comprehension by non-technical users, and the strengthening of organizational capabilities to support data-driven decision-making. Perron is actively involved with the Child & Adolescent Data Lab, investigating services aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable youth and families within the child welfare system. His research has garnered support from notable institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is also keenly interested in the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in social work and explores how machine learning and natural language processing can enhance understanding in this field. Committed to education, Perron is dedicated to teaching research and data analysis, particularly for students with limited math skills, and he brings extensive experience in teaching the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, he engages in MOOCs to stay updated with rapid technological advancements.