Recognition highlights GTIA's growing global philanthropic impact and commitment to expanding opportunity through technology
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., September 15, 2026 – The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) today announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named GTIA as a finalist in the Community Impact Award category of the 2026 CRN Women of the Year Awards.
This recognition reflects GTIA's commitment to creating meaningful opportunities through technology and supporting the communities where its members live and work. At its core, GTIA is more than an association. It is a global community united by a belief in technology's power to open doors, bridge gaps, and create opportunity. Through the GTIA Foundation, that belief is translated into tangible, measurable impact.
In 2025, GTIA awarded nearly $2 million to nonprofits and educational institutions worldwide that are leveraging technology as a force for good. More than 40 organizations received support to address the digital divide, close resource gaps, enhance education, and create pathways to economic opportunity.
Building on that momentum, GTIA recently announced more than $3.2 million in grants to 73 nonprofit organizations worldwide as part of its $5 million charitable giving commitment for 2026. The funding supports programs that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and address systemic barriers across a range of impact areas, including:
- Digital Access & Inclusion
- Education & STEM Pathways
- Workforce Development & Economic Mobility
- Equity-Focused Opportunity Programs
- Technology for Social Impact & Systems Change
- Health & Wellbeing
- Community & Enrichment Programs
This funding represents the association’s long-term giving strategy, which is designed to expand impact and create meaningful opportunities through technology for years to come.
"We are honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Community Impact Award," said Kelly Ricker, Chief Operating Officer, GTIA. "What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects the collective impact of our global member community. Through the GTIA Foundation, our members help identify organizations creating opportunity and positive change in their own communities. The causes we support reflect what matters most to our members and where they see technology making the biggest difference. Together, we are expanding access, opening doors, and creating lasting impact through technology."
“The finalists for the CRN Women of the Year Awards represent some of the most accomplished and influential leaders across the IT channel,” said Jennifer Follett, VP of U.S. Content and Executive Editor at CRN, The Channel Company. Their accomplishments reflect the talent, determination, and forward-thinking approach that continue to strengthen our industry. We are honored to recognize their achievements and celebrate the meaningful impact they are making throughout the industry.”
The Women of the Year Awards Finalists can be viewed online at www.crn.com/women-of-the-year. For more information about GTIA giving programs, visit gtia.org/giving.
About the Global Technology Industry Association
The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) is the only vendor-neutral, 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership community connecting and representing the worldwide IT channel. We set our members up for success by providing benefits that include trusted resources and networking opportunities. In addition, the association sets industry standards that enable companies to build sustainable, secure, and profitable businesses in an ever-changing technology landscape. Internationally, GTIA represents hundreds of thousands of professionals from nearly 3,000 ITSPs, vendors, distributors and other companies serving the IT channel. For more information, visit gtia.org.
Suzanne Collier