Apparo’s Tech Therapy delivers the nonprofit technology mentorship and support that Yasaman Sarmadi needs to excel at her role and ensure Hospitality House of Charlotte’s ability to serve those in need of affordable lodging during their medical care.
Since 1985, Hospitality House of Charlotte has provided lodging in the heart of Charlotte’s medical community at minimal rates, making it possible for more patients to access vital medical care.
We checked in recently with Yasaman Sarmadi, Executive Assistant, of Hospitality House of Charlotte to learn about the benefits she’s experienced with Apparo’s Tech Therapy program after taking on nonprofit technology management responsibilities for the organization. Yasaman explains that she showed strong tech acumen, so was asked to take on this role, but does not have formal education or background related to technology, so he needed support to ensure her success:
“I was connected to Apparo through our Executive Director, Angie Bush. I had been given new technology responsibilities and needed support to expand my skills and knowledge related to systems, cybersecurity and more. Stephanie helped me get started on growing my knowledge base by sharing resources, connecting me to a volunteer (Ross Feldman of CCP Tech) to help me with our website and other areas of cybersecurity and inviting me to join the Nonprofit IT Leaders group. More recently, we were having a problem with our VoIP phone service and Stephanie connected us with a service provider through Apparo’s Expert Link program.
“As I ramp up, I’m able to implement more technology and cybersecurity improvements, which are important for our ability to serve. For example, I’m transferring the organization to a new phone service to overcome the problems we had. This will make it easier for people who need us to reach us. I’ve also worked to upgrade our key card system, which was a source of stress for our staff and problems for our guests. As a nonprofit that collects data about our clients, we are vulnerable to bad actors and cybersecurity risk. I’m putting measures into place to protect the organization.
“Apparo’s support has really helped me get my bearings. I was concerned that I did not know enough about technology, but now I am very excited for where I am and my career growth going forward. Instead of turning to textbooks and wasting lots of time doing research with sources I’m not sure I can trust, I am working with Apparo to develop a trusted network of support and build my nonprofit technology foundation. I’m saving a lot of time and time is very valuable. Our nonprofit is also saving money that we would have spent for my access to this knowledge and networking. Support from Apparo is vital and invaluable. It allows us to focus our funds on our own operations and serving people who need us.”
