University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

On November 12th, University of Advancing Technology (UAT) hosted the first-ever Tech Respect Summit: Advancing AI, Cyber & IT, uniting Arizona’s tech community for an afternoon centered on innovation, ethics, sustainability, and community impact. 

A High Energy, High Impact Program

The  theme for UAT's event was " Advancing tech responsibly," and Summit’s panels showcased leaders across Arizona’s innovation ecosystem, each focused on a different dimension of “Tech Respect”:

Green Tech Respect Panel:
Ashley Weisman (Greenlight Solutions), Sarkes Mkrdichian (TechBros), and Sotiria Anagnostou (Arizona Sustainability Alliance) shared insights on sustainability, green innovation, and the environmental responsibilities tied to technological growth.

Lightning talks and hands-on demonstrations rounded out the afternoon, giving attendees fast-paced insights into current and emerging tech trends.

IT & AI Respect Panel:
Ryan Gruver (Banner Health), UAT AI Professor Tony Hinton, and UAT Provost Dr. Dave Bolman discussed the rise of responsible AI, emerging IT leadership, and the importance of human-centered innovation.

Cyber Respect Panel:
Dara Gibson (AZ InfraGard), Aaron Rodriguez (UAT), and Paige Hanson (Secure Labs) highlighted today’s cybersecurity challenges and the shared responsibility of protecting digital infrastructure.

Brand Respect Panel:
Phoenix Tech Group’s Sophie Deskin and Katri Morrison-Goulias examined how authenticity, trust, and ethical practices shape modern tech branding. They also coached UAT Students Mason Barlue and Philander Atkins through a Branding exercise to expose them to ways to market themselves in the industry.

Community Respect Panel:
Craig Belanger (General Education Regent), UAT Professor Dapzury Valenzuela, and Lisa Hausz (City of Tempe Economic Development) explored how technology shapes local economies, workforce development, and community partnerships.

Lightning talks and hands-on demonstrations rounded out the afternoon, giving attendees fast-paced insights into current and emerging tech trends.

A New Arizona Tradition Begins

The Summit was free to all Arizona college students.  Students connected directly with industry leaders, gained access to current field insights, and explored future career pathways in AI, cybersecurity, and IT.

The Tech Respect Summit set a new standard for tech convenings in the region: innovation paired with accountability, sustainability, and community impact.. The Summit has positioned UAT as a central force in shaping Arizona’s technology landscape.

More Events in 2026

More details about next year’s Summit will be announced soon as UAT continues championing a culture where innovation meets responsibility. In the meantime, you can watch the event in full on YouTube.