1. What are you doing towards Digital Inclusion in Charlotte?
Currently, I have the pleasure of leading an engaged board of directors and a dedicated staff towards audacious goals outlined within Digi-Bridge’s strategic plan. Founded in 2014, Digi-Bridge aspires to create a generation of well-equipped 21st century learners. The organization provides technology-centric coursework to K-8 youth, digital classroom consultancy to schools and advocates on the local and state level in support of policies that equip our students for success in a global economy.
Since March of this year, I have been working part-time with the City of Charlotte’s Youth Programs department, building on the success of existing programs to extend opportunities to high school youth in technology fields.
2. Why are you working towards Digital Inclusion in Charlotte?
I believe that our city can provide every child with a quality, 21st century educational experience. This work is about more than simply creating a digitally inclusive Queen City, it’s about making sure all of our youth have access to the tools they need to be successful.
Much of my work within the city is focused on youth employment and on identifying ways to increase the number of technology experiences for high school youth. This can only be done if we are honest in assessing that, in our educational landscape, disconnected students are not achieving at the same level as their peers in connected households. A connected Charlotte will bring us one step closer to a leveled playing field in the K-12 arena.
3. What does a digitally connected community look like to you?
A digitally connected community has excellent K-12 learning institutions, a well-informed electorate and robust networks for consumers and creators to collaborate. In a digitally connected Charlotte, high-speed networks encourage cross-sector community conversations, and residents feel empowered to actively participate in their community’s development and/or redevelopment.