How To Create A Successful Digital Equity Strategy

REYDA TAYLOR, Travis County, Texas - Information Technology Services Department 
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed long-seated issues with connectivity in Travis County. The county must tackle three interconnected crises: a public health crisis, an economic crisis, and a digital inclusion crisis. To ensure that broadband is provided as an essential utility, like water or electricity, throughout the County post-pandemic, Travis County will partner with FUSE Executive Fellow Reyda Taylor to support the launch of the County’s first Office of Broadband Development and Digital Equity. 

Reyda Taylor is passionate about equity and knowledge-sharing and aims to make research and evaluation more accessible and adaptable. Reyda has been building and scaling innovative, collaborative research and data initiatives for over ten years in the nonprofit and technology sectors.

ANETA LEE, City of Birmingham, Alabama - Office of the Mayor
Digital deserts throughout Birmingham prevented many residents from reaching telehealth options, students from completing the school year, others from joining the workforce after layoffs, and some from accessing critical city and social services. Aneta and the City of Birmingham, Alabama, are launching a comprehensive strategy for city-wide broadband expansion and digital inclusion.

Aneta Lee is a champion for digital inclusion and equity in every setting she finds herself in. As a Program Manager at EveryoneOn, Aneta led the design, implementation, and management of a joint inaugural initiative with Microsoft to address the digital divide in eight underserved urban communities of color across the country. 

JOSHUA WILLIAMS, City of Houston, Texas - Information Technology Services 
Covid-19 and its economic impact have dramatically worsened existing gaps in home-based internet access, which students need to fully participate in virtual education. Joshua has been working with the City of Houston, Texas, to plan and implement a comprehensive digital inclusion effort that ensures every student has access to the resources needed to succeed in school. His work is prioritizing technology access and digital inclusion programs and policies in historically underinvested communities of color.
Joshua Williams is an educational leader and former finance professional dedicated to creating meaningful change in underserved communities. For over 10 years, he has served as a mentor, teacher, and school leader for multiple school systems, impacting students' lives in grades K-12.