Clutch Solutions: Making a Difference in 2024

At Clutch Solutions, making a difference goes far beyond a goal—it’s at the core of everything we do. As a leading IT VAR, we are committed to bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation of communities, particularly in the STEM space. In 2024, our focus has been on driving meaningful impact through technology, sustainability, and inclusion. We encourage all of our employees to actively participate in community efforts, knowing they are fully supported by our flexible and inclusive work environment. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, sustainability initiatives, or volunteering in underserved areas, we believe that technology should be a tool for empowerment, creating opportunities and driving positive change. This dedication to making a lasting impact guides everything we do, from how we serve our clients to how we engage with the communities around us.

Charitable Pursuits  

In 2024, Clutch Solutions expanded its charitable initiatives to support impactful organizations and honor Indigenous communities. At our Cybersecurity Casino Night event, we proudly recognized the San Carlos Apache Tribe, building awareness and raising funds to support their community foundation. Likewise, at our Chicago Golf Event, we raised funds in honor of AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society), an organization we are honored to support as a Sequoyah member, helping to empower and inspire future generations in STEM fields.

Building on our success from 2023, when we raised $7,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Clutch Canada surpassed that goal this year, raising over $11,655 through their Annual Calgary Golf Tournament. Our contributions extended to other causes as well, including the American Lung Association, YMCA, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta. Additionally, Clutch sponsored the Cox Hearts to Hearts Golf Tournament in support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, reinforcing our commitment to meaningful and lasting impact within diverse communities.

A special highlight is our CTO Aaron Smith’s leadership in founding the TJ Smith Memorial Fund, which has raised funds for Multiple Sclerosis research and St. Jude Children’s Hospital for over 26 years. This personal and professional dedication to philanthropy reflects the values at the heart of Clutch Solutions.

Cultural impact 

At Clutch Solutions, our commitment to making a difference goes beyond technology. As a Native American-owned IT VAR, we are dedicated to bridging the digital divide, fostering inclusion, and empowering underrepresented communities—both within the workplace and beyond. We encourage our employees to actively participate in these initiatives, knowing that their efforts contribute to creating lasting, positive change.

Our CEO, Garrette Backie, a proud member of the Michigan Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa tribe, embodies the Seventh-Generation philosophy: “Supporting Native Americans and other underrepresented groups isn’t just about doing good—it’s about building sustainable solutions that impact future generations.” This principle guides our efforts to promote digital equity and foster diverse partnerships, ensuring that our technology solutions empower communities and contribute to long-term progress.

In 2024, we’ve made significant strides by supporting organizations like AISES and the Community Foundation of San Carlos, helping Native American students access STEM education and contributing to community-driven projects. Our efforts to bridge the digital divide align with our mission to uplift all marginalized populations, delivering solutions that make a meaningful impact.

Mental health advocacy is another pillar of our cultural commitment. As Jason Berek, our East Sales Manager, reflects:
“Being part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has been incredibly rewarding. Supporting families affected by mental illness is not just a passion, but a shared responsibility. Through education and community support, we can make a real difference, and I’m proud to bring that same level of care to my work at Clutch.”

At Clutch Solutions, we integrate cultural awareness, community engagement, and social responsibility into everything we do, ensuring our technology solutions drive both innovation and empowerment for all communities.

 

Sustainable Initiatives

We actively collaborate with industry leaders who share our sustainability goals. For instance, we are part of HP’s Amplify Impact program, which centers around sustainability in climate action, human rights, and digital equity. By working with HP, we ensure that our employees and clients are aligned with environmentally conscious business practices. HP’s commitment to sustainable IT allows us to provide our clients with eco-friendly solutions, reducing carbon footprints through green procurement.

Similarly, Lenovo’s Zero Emissions Services and Circular Economy Programs have enabled Clutch Solutions to help our clients embrace sustainable IT lifecycle management, from procurement to recycling. We work with Lenovo to ensure that the products we deliver not only meet top industry standards but also contribute to a circular economy.

Partnering with Cisco, Clutch Solutions is involved in their Cisco Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program, which aims to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions throughout their operations. Cisco has set ambitious goals to power its global operations with 100% renewable energy, and we are proud to support this initiative by incorporating Cisco’s technology into our offerings, ensuring that we’re part of a sustainable IT ecosystem.

Furthermore, NVIDIA has committed to reducing emissions across its global operations, and as a key partner, Clutch Solutions proudly aligns with their focus on sustainability through AI-driven efficiency. NVIDIA’s commitment to reducing energy consumption in AI computing enables us to deliver powerful, energy-efficient solutions to our clients while minimizing environmental impact.

Empowering Women Leaders

Our women leaders at Clutch Solutions have made an incredible impact this year, exemplifying the values of community service, empowerment, and advancing technology for good. A key example is Ashley Isrow, who has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of LA for three years and now serves on the Jr. Board. Through her mentorship, Ashley is not only giving back but also inspiring the next generation to embrace opportunities in STEM fields, reflecting Clutch Solutions’ dedication to cultivating future leaders in technology.

This year, we are proud to host our inaugural Women in Technology Event, bringing together female IT leaders to discuss innovative ways to bridge the digital divide and leverage technology to create lasting change. This event highlights our shared commitment to giving back, as we join forces to support causes like hurricane relief for those affected by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. By focusing on how technology can contribute to rebuilding communities and driving social impact, this event embodies Clutch Solutions’ vision of using IT to empower and uplift.

Our women leaders are also active in organizations such as Women in Miami Technology, WWA Worldwide, Women of the Channel, Women In Technology of Mississippi and the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation. Through these affiliations, they champion women’s leadership, mentorship, and empowerment within the tech industry, driving a culture of inclusion and innovation.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we continue to grow, Clutch Solutions remains steadfast in our mission to give back to the communities we serve and to support diversity and inclusion at every level. Whether through fundraising for important causes, providing technology solutions that meet supplier diversity requirements, or celebrating the cultural richness of our Native American roots, we are committed to making a lasting, meaningful impact on the world around us. Our cultural contributions, much like the technology we provide, are about building a foundation for future generations, empowering people to succeed, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

As we look to the future, we are excited to expand our efforts next month by partnering with the Calgary Flames to raise funds for the PREP Society in support of Down Syndrome awareness. Additionally, we are thrilled to partner with Phoenix Children’s Hospital next year, further broadening our community impact. We remain steadfast in our commitment to making a difference in every community we serve, guided by our core values of compassion, service, and sustainability.

Join us in making a difference

At Clutch Solutions, we invite you to continue making a positive impact alongside us for the remainder of 2024. Whether by volunteering or donating to important causes, every contribution helps. You can make a difference by supporting hurricane relief efforts through donations to the American Red Cross Relief Fund, or other vital causes like the AISES Foundation and Community Foundation of San Carlos. Together, we can continue to uplift our communities and foster change.