This panel explores how technology, law, and community engagement can intersect to advance social justice and protect vulnerable populations. Drawing from diverse experiences—including pro bono legal advocacy, fraud prevention at Microsoft, youth mentorship at a D.C.-based nonprofit, and consumer protection work at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office—panelists expmine the evolving role of professionals at the frontlines of tech-enabled change. From supporting immigrant high school students in meeting service requirements, to advocating for low-income clients seeking Social Security Disability benefits, to building tools that ensure fairness in digital commerce, each panelist reflects on how systemic inequities manifest across different spaces. Special attention is paid to how technology can both reinforce and remedy injustice, particularly in cases of elder fraud involving cryptocurrency ATMs. Collectively, these experiences highlight the urgent need for adaptive legal frpmeworks, culturally competent outreach, and cross-sector solutions to ensure equity and accountability in a rapidly digitizing world.

Moderator: Eleanor Townsley, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Sociology and Director of Nexus

Presenters:

• Akosua Aidoo ’27 Computer Science
• Shannon Bazir ’27 English/Film, Media, Theater
• Yiyang Ru ’26 Sociology/Statistics
• Taryn White ’26 Psychology/Spanish