Flying into a Win: Parrots Wins Catalyst 2022 Award

A collage of images from the Catalyst 2022 Awards by the CTIA Wireless Foundation, where Parrots Inc took home the win!

Everyone on Team Parrots is thrilled, honored, and excited to announce that on September 14th, we took home the Catalyst 2022 Award from the CTIA Wireless Foundation! Our Founder, David Hojah, and new Chief Operating Officer, Dina Abdou, attended the gala awards event in Washington, DC, where we received a $50,000 grant.

Catalyst fosters support for companies building wireless technologies that deepen our human connections and make our communities stronger, all by utilizing the speed, efficiency, and versatility of 5G. Now in its third year, Catalyst saw a record number of applications from social entrepreneurs across the United States. 74% of applications are led by a member/members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and 63% of the organizations are led by a person whose gender identity is female. As a diverse team with a gender equitable and disability inclusive board, everyone at Parrots is thrilled to see organizations like CTIA Wireless who are so committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity in startups.

“We are proud to support our Catalyst 2022 Winners: three social entrepreneurs using 5G and leading edge wireless to solve pressing issues in our communities,” said Dori Kreiger, Executive Director of CTIA Wireless Foundation. “These winners are combating the digital divide, providing resources to students and developing innovative telehealth services.”

David was especially overjoyed to receive the award. “We are thankful for this recognition from the CTIA Wireless Foundation. It will amplify our growth to reach more people, creating an even bigger impact. There are so many people out there, just waiting for accessible tech so they can be whatever they want to be, regardless of the limitations placed on them by a lack of accessibility for the disabled. Technology can help us to bridge those gaps as we continue to work together as a society to uplift each other to our fullest possible potential as human beings. Let’s fly higher and wiser, with Fly Parrots!”

We especially want to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Kai XR, who took home the big $100,000 grant! An extra special shout-out to the $25,000 winner, our friend and fellow Halcyon Incubator alumnus, OxiWear! Kai XR, which use AR, VR and XR technologies to enable virtual fieldtrips, helping student learn and explore beyond classroom walls. OxiWear is an ear-wearable pulse-oximeter for continuous oxygen monitoring and low-oxygen alerting. It’s truly an honor to be recognized alongside such innovative startups working so hard to improve all our lives!

“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more,” said Dina Abdou, our Chief Operating Officer here at Parrots. “Working with kids with disabilities for so many years got me inspired to join Parrots. We are honored to win the Catalyst 2022 award. Thank you, CTIA Wireless Foundation! This award will assist us in reaching our key milestones of expanding our partnership with the VA, hospitals, and more, all to empower more people who need our technology. As Chief Operations Officer, I believe our marvelous team can accomplish anything with determination and passion for the community.”

“As both a woman and a disabled entrepreneur, I can’t find words big enough to express how grateful I am for the support of organizations like the CTIA Wireless Foundation,” said our Chief Marketing Officer, Heather Lawver. “Our entire team and the broader disability community appreciates all of your support and encouragement. Thank you just doesn’t seem big enough!”

We hope you’ll enjoy the winner announcement video and photo gallery below! As always, our gratitude goes out to everyone at CTIA Wireless Foundation, our team, our investors, partners, advisors, friends, family, and last, but not least, our users! We appreciate everyone who continues to uplift our flight toward a better future of inclusivity, accessibility, and independence for those who need it most. Thank you!