Published: March 4, 2021 By

Alex Diaz, the head of crisis response and humanitarian aid at Google.org will speak to staff, students and faculty as part of a new seminar series in March. 

Diaz is set to speak virtually March 19 as part of a seminar series hosted by the Resilient Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Interdisciplinary Research Theme. Through his role, Diaz manages Google’s philanthropic efforts in response to global crises, such as natural disasters and public health emergencies, providing innovative nonprofits on the frontlines with funding and volunteers. Recently he helped lead Google.org’s $100 million and 50,000 pro bono hours commitment to COVID-19 response globally across health and science, distance learning, and economic relief and recovery. More recently, Alex is managing the company's philanthropic effort to advance COVID-19 vaccine equity. He will specifically discuss proactive disaster relief.

Interdisciplinary Research Themes are made up of faculty, staff and students. They help researchers from across the college coordinate faculty hires, share facilities and use seed funding to leverage work that could provide transformational societal impact. The Resilient Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Interdisciplinary Theme was formed in July 2020. It explores holistic actions to address the many drivers of urban disaster risk worldwide, while simultaneously addressing environmental sustainability and social equity challenges. The session with Diaz is one of several from the IRT this semester with the first being held online from 3-4 p.m. on March 12 with Professor and Director of the Environmental Engineering Program Fernando L. Rosario-Ortiz. Registration and details about all of the sessions can be found on the IRT's website.

Proactive Disaster Relief Seminar With Alex Diaz

Alex Diaz
Alex Diaz

What: Alex Diaz, the head of crisis response and humanitarian aid at Google.org will speak to staff, students and faculty online.
When: 3-4 p.m. on March 19 via Zoom
Abstract: "With the climate crisis worsening, the world is experiencing more frequent and stronger disasters. Increasingly, more needs to be done in advance of crises to help communities be better prepared and be more resilient. Google.org has been working to support efforts that accelerate this proactive approach to disaster relief."
Contact: An invitation will be sent with login information at least three days prior to the event. If you have questions contact Sara Glade.

Register