1. What are you doing towards Digital Inclusion in Charlotte?
Everyday I work towards making the Library’s technology more open, accessible and useful for Mecklenburg County residents, as well as supporting Library staff as they work to develop digital inclusion programs in our facilities.
Projects and tasks that I oversee range from ensuring that all of locations are equipped with WiFi to supporting specific programs such as the Library’s Hotspot Lending Programs (Rentable, and ONEaccess).
2. Why are you working towards Digital Inclusion in Charlotte?
The Library’s mission is to improve lives and build a stronger community. To me, this actively looks like the Library working to provide the community with the best resources and assets that can help someone get ahead. Work in the Digital Inclusion arena is aligned with this sentiment because it serves as a launchpad for people to learn the skills they need in order to leverage the wealth of tools and resources available online. Teaching someone to use the internet and to use it well irreversibly opens up a new world of opportunity that simply wasn’t there before.
3. What does a digitally connected community look like to you?
A place where everyone gets a shot at living their best life. A place where everyone can have their questions answered, and get guidance in their life’s journey. A place where neighbors help each other proactively, and where connections are forged for everyone’s betterment. That’s my vision for our community.