DECEMBER 8, 2025
PHOENIX, AZ (December 8, 2025) – Fresh Start Women’s Foundation has been selected as one of just 25 organizations nationwide—and the only organization representing Arizona—to join the 2025–2026 Microsoft TechSpark Fellows Program. Through this opportunity, Fresh Start will work alongside Microsoft to expand digital access, economic mobility, and career advancement for women across the state.
For Arizona women, this means greater access to the digital skills and emerging technologies increasingly needed in today’s job market. The fellowship will support new learning opportunities that make AI and digital tools approachable – whether a woman is seeking a career change, preparing for higher-paying roles, or building confidence with technology. These efforts will help more women enter in-demand fields and create long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency for themselves and their families.
“We are honored to be selected for the Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship and excited for what this means for the women we serve,” said Kim McWaters, President and CEO of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. “Digital skills and AI literacy are becoming essential to economic mobility. This opportunity allows us to bring even greater access, learning, and support to women who are ready to strengthen their earning power and build the futures they deserve.”
Fresh Start’s selection builds on a collaboration with Microsoft that began in 2023. Since then, the organizations have collaborated on data center career pathways, including on-site hiring events and the annual West Valley Career Fair supported through Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Development Grant. This ongoing collaboration led Microsoft’s Datacenter Community Development team to nominate Fresh Start for the 2025 TechSpark Fellowship.
The fellowship supports community organizations using technology and artificial intelligence to strengthen digital skills and open pathways to employment. As part of the program, Fresh Start will appoint Abdu Dahr, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, as TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow. Dahr will participate in Microsoft’s national fellowship and lead the development of AI-focused learning and workforce initiatives for the women Fresh Start serves.
Fellows also receive mentorship from Microsoft TechSpark leaders, targeted virtual learning, an in-person national convening, and opportunities to collaborate with peers advancing digital equity across the country.
“When communities are trusted and empowered to lead, they not only catch up, but they also leap forward. Through TechSpark Fellows, we are deepening our work in local communities to ensure AI becomes a bridge, not a barrier, to local prosperity and innovation,” said Mike Egan, General Manager, Microsoft TechSpark.
This is the third cohort of TechSpark Fellows, a select group of nonprofit leaders embedded across communities nationwide. Since 2017, Microsoft TechSpark has helped communities secure more than $700 million in funding, skill 65,000 people, and create 4,500 jobs.
Read more about Microsoft TechSpark here.
Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. For over three decades, Fresh Start has supported more than 65,000 Arizona women. Through our signature Impact Program, Fresh Start offers comprehensive resources, education and training opportunities as well as career services to help women reach their personal and professional goals. For more information, visit freshstartwomen.org or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.