In collaboration with Operation Hope and The Forbes Funds, UMi launched its Intro to Data Sovereignty Workshop to address the growing impact of AI and digital disruption on communities. This initiative convenes experts from the private and public sectors to explore the ethics, governance, and infrastructure necessary for a future shaped by Data Sovereignty. Unlike traditional tech conversations that focus on corporate interests, this workshop centers community-driven solutions, ensuring that ethical frameworks, policy development, and capacity-building efforts are established before technology is blindly integrated into society. UMi’s goal is to create a participatory model where impacted communities lead the charge in shaping data governance and economic sustainability.