Shaun Tai, the Co-Founder and Executive Director at BRIDGEGOOD, has been making waves in the tech industry for years. His innovative approach to bridging the gap for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) designers and job seekers has earned him numerous accolades, including being recognized with KPIX 5’s prestigious Jefferson Awards Silver Medal in 2023.
Tai’s passion for technology and design began at a young age. In 2009, he founded the Oakland Digital Arts and Literacy Center Inc, a public benefit corporation aimed at bridging the digital literacy and opportunity divide. Since then, he has continued to make an impact in the industry.
In 2018, with lead support from Google and the Golden State Warriors, Tai launched BRIDGEGOOD.com, a platform that connects job seekers to professional opportunities. The platform has provided 13,500 BIPOC designers with tech opportunities and collaboration studios in Jack London Square for career development. This effort has not gone unnoticed, as TechCrunch named BRIDGEGOOD a “Social Impact” finalist at the Crunchies Awards.
Tai’s achievements also include being named a 40 under 40 honoree by the SF Business Times, CSUEB, and Diablo Magazine. He was also selected as Cal State East Bay’s Distinguished Young Alumnus of the academic year in 2015.
Tai’s impact extends beyond his work at BRIDGEGOOD. He has also worked on several notable projects, including leading AT&T’s 28 Days Campaign for Black History Month in 2014, producing 11,570 pieces of social currency yielding 90-million impressions. In 2013, he was selected to keynote SJSU’s Educational Opportunity Program Graduation Ceremony & Orientation, addressing 1,700 students.
Tai’s dedication to the tech industry and his passion for helping BIPOC designers and job seekers has made him a respected and influential figure in the field. His work has been recognized by numerous organizations, including CBS News, TechCrunch, and the Jefferson Awards Foundation.
“I believe that by providing opportunities and resources for underrepresented communities, we can change the face of the tech industry and impact the next generation of diverse designers,” says Tai.
Through his work with BRIDGEGOOD and other initiatives, Tai is making a significant impact on the tech industry and helping to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce. His dedication and commitment to bridging the gap for BIPOC designers and job seekers is an inspiration to many, and his work will undoubtedly continue to make a difference for years to come.