Insights and Innovations from the Digital Inclusion Summit 2024
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, digital inclusion for Latinos is not just a necessity but a fundamental right. As technology reshapes every aspect of life—from education and employment to healthcare and civic engagement—ensuring that Latino communities have equal access to digital tools and resources is critical for fostering a more equitable society. Without focused efforts to bridge the digital divide, we risk deepening existing disparities and limiting opportunities for Latinos, perpetuating cycles of inequality. Embracing digital inclusion is essential for creating a future where technology serves as a bridge to opportunity for all, and where every Latino can fully participate in and benefit from the digital age.
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, HTTP wants to highlight our Digital Inclusion Summit’s Insights and speakers from 2024. The fourth annual Digital Inclusion Summit brought together thought leaders to address critical issues in digital equity. HTTP remains dedicated to building a strong digital foundation, prioritizing the experiences of historically underserved communities, and ensuring their voices are included in policy decisions. Despite significant progress, challenges persist, such as preserving the Affordable Connectivity Program, addressing the underrepresentation of Latinos in the tech ecosystem, and bridging the digital literacy gap, particularly concerning AI. The annual summit continues to tackle these obstacles by fostering collaboration among industry, government, and civil society, aiming to empower marginalized communities, including Latinos, to take the lead in the tech revolution.
The full summit can be viewed online here.
Panel 1 - Innovations and Trends for Digital Inclusion among Connected Communities: A Conversation on Digital Equity and ACP
Dr. Alisa Valentin, Broadband Policy Director at Public Knowledge, discusses digital equity and the ACP during the 'Innovations and Trends for Digital Inclusion' panel at the 2024 Digital Inclusion Summit.
Moderator: Alejandra Motoya-Boyer; Senior Director, Center for Civil Rights & Tech
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Alejandra Montoya-Boyer (she, her, ella) is the Senior Director of the Center for Civil Rights and Technology at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, where she focuses on research, policy solutions, and advocacy that responds to the growing opportunities and challenges from AI and emerging technologies and their impact on marginalized communities.
Amina Fazlullah: Head of Tech Policy, Common Sense Media
Background: Common Sense Media is dedicated to evaluating, educating, researching, and advocating for technology use among kids and families. Her role focuses on addressing the digital divide, with significant involvement in supporting the Emergency Connectivity Fund and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Key Insights
Fazulullah discussed the challenges of securing sustainable funding for the ACP and Universal Service Fund (USF). Despite the ACP's effectiveness, its high cost complicates long-term funding efforts. She expressed optimism about current bipartisan reform efforts and stressed the importance of pushing Congress for continued support, especially during an election year. She highlighted the economic impact of the digital divide, noting that 16 million students are affected, which contributes to a $33 billion annual GDP loss. She emphasized the broader benefits of connectivity, including reduced telemedicine costs and equitable access to new technologies. Ensuring that AI and other technologies are distributed equitably requires ongoing investment in infrastructure and digital affordability.
Alisa Valentin: Broadband Policy Director, Public Knowledge
Background: Public Knowledge advocates for consumer interests in digital policy, focusing on issues such as the digital divide, AI, and competition policy. Valentin’s role involves securing continued funding for the ACP and advocating for fair digital discrimination rules at the FCC.
Key Insights
Valentin acknowledged the ACP's success but noted the difficulty in maintaining Congressional urgency for its continued funding. She supports integrating the ACP into the USF through reform to ensure its sustainability. Valentin highlighted recent constitutional concerns related to the USF, underscoring the need for prompt Congressional action to address these challenges. She urged community organizations to mobilize constituents to advocate for the ACP, stressing the importance of political courage and swift action to avoid creating a broadband access gap.
Lynn Follansbee: Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, USTelecom
Background: USTelecom is a trade association representing a diverse range of internet service providers, from large companies to family-owned businesses. Her work focuses on universal service reform and the implementation of the BEAD program from the infrastructure act.
Key Insights
Follansbee highlighted the opportunities presented by public-private partnerships in broadband deployment, particularly through funding from ARPA, the BEAD program, and other relief packages. These partnerships leverage both government and private sector contributions to enhance infrastructure and expand broadband access. Follansbee noted the role of private companies in supporting online learning through community learning centers and Wi-Fi hotspots during the pandemic. She emphasized the need for resilient networks, especially in the context of climate change's disproportionate impact on communities of color. Follansbee also called for continued support and reform of the USF to sustain network operations and future infrastructure investments.
Overview
The panel on "Innovations and Trends for Digital Inclusion among Connected Communities" explored various aspects of digital equity and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Fazlullah emphasized the challenges of securing long-term funding for the ACP and the need for ongoing support from Congress. Valentin focused on the importance of integrating the ACP into the Universal Service Fund and the urgency of Congressional action to address legal and funding challenges. Follansbee discussed the benefits of public-private partnerships in expanding broadband access and the importance of resilient networks. Together, the panelists highlighted the critical need for continued investment, legislative action, and collaboration to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology.
Fireside Chat: FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez
Commissioner Anna Gomez and moderator JudeAnne Heath engage in a fireside chat on the ACP's impact, AI bias, and the future of broadband at the 2024 Digital Inclusion Summit.
Full Recording of Discussion Here
Moderator: JudeAnne Heath; Executive Director HTTP
Speaker Bio
Commissioner Anna M. Gomez is the first Latina-American to serve on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in over two decades. With over 30 years of experience in communications law and policy, she is dedicated to ensuring universal broadband access and protecting consumer interests. Her career includes roles such as Senior Advisor at the Department of State, Deputy Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and various positions at the FCC.
Key Points Discussed
Impact of the ACP:
Commissioner Gomez praised the ACP for its reach and impact but acknowledged the challenge of ensuring its sustainability. She emphasized that sustaining such programs requires ongoing Congressional support and highlighted the importance of community-based organizations in keeping the narrative alive. Her approach includes sending letters to Congress to illustrate the real-world effects of policy decisions on their constituents.
Diverse Workforce and AI Bias:
On the topic of AI, Commissioner Gomez stressed the importance of having a diverse workforce in tech fields. Engineers and software designers from affected communities can help identify and mitigate biases in AI systems. She proposed AI transparency policies, including disclosure of altered content and multilingual wireless emergency alerts.
Spectrum and Connectivity:
The Commissioner discussed the significance of spectrum management, which affects various technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. She also touched on the importance of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the implications of the recent 5th Circuit Court decision on its future.
Broadband and Mental Health Initiatives:
The Commissioner highlighted several initiatives, including the 988 mental health crisis line and the Safe Connections Act for domestic violence hotlines. She also mentioned the role of satellites in improving space connectivity and phone service, and the collaborative effort between the FCC and NTIA to improve broadband maps.
Future Directions for the FCC:
Looking ahead, Commissioner Gomez expressed concerns about the potential risks to connectivity investments if affordability issues are not addressed. She stressed the economic importance of connectivity and the need for providers to justify their investments with a solid subscriber base. She reflected on her personal experiences, mentioning her brother’s work in the computer software industry in Colombia as a source of inspiration.
Quotes:
“This is not a blue state, red state issue. This is universal.”
“Connectivity is important to the GDP. We spent billions of dollars for connectivity; but if we lose the affordability piece of this, what you’re going to lose is the business case for sustainability.”
Panel 2: Internet For All: How Do We Connect Reality to Expectations? - A Conversation with NTIA
Speakers from the 'Internet For All: How Do We Connect Reality to Expectations?' session at the 2024 Digital Inclusion Summit—Francella Ochillo, Gilbert Resendez, Ronnie Hammond and Edwin Canizales—pose for a photo after a lively discussion on bridging the digital divide.
Moderator: Edwin Canizales, Program Manager- Policy and Legislation, LULAC
Canizalez’ experience extends to multinational, government, non-profit, consulting, start-up, and publicly held business environments. LULAC is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 1,000 LULAC councils nationwide. The organization involves and serves all Hispanic nationality groups.
Francella Ochillo: Director of the Office of Public Engagement, NTIA
Background: Ochillo is renowned for her efforts in translating complex policies into actionable outcomes for underserved communities and her dedication to advancing digital equity. NTIA plays a key role in the development and implementation of policies to expand broadband access, ensure digital equity, and manage federal use of spectrum
Key Insights
Ochillo emphasized the critical role of the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program in addressing the digital divide across the U.S. She highlighted that the program provides significant funding to 56 jurisdictions to enhance broadband infrastructure, promote digital equity, and support competitive grants. She stressed the importance of translating conference discussions into practical actions and urged a continuous focus on community needs. Ochillo described the federal investment in digital equity as unprecedented, noting, “There has never been a time in our nation's history that the federal government is investing a billion dollars into a digital equity program.”
Gilbert Resendez: Federal Program Officer at NTIA in the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth
Background: With a background rooted in rural Northern California, Resendez brings personal experience and a passion for improving internet accessibility and affordability.
Key Insights
Resendez outlined the BEAD program's focus on deploying broadband and improving accessibility for underserved households. He highlighted how each state utilizes the National Broadband Map to identify areas needing connectivity. He acknowledged the challenges associated with government bureaucracy and emphasized the importance of engaging with federal program officers to address community needs effectively. Resendez noted that the BEAD program is a crucial first step in a long-term effort to achieve digital equity.
Ronnie Hammond: Director of the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband
Background: Hammond has extensive experience in broadband and digital equity initiatives within Maryland. The Maryland Department of Housing's Office of Statewide Broadband is dedicated to expanding digital inclusion, equity, and accessibility across Maryland, working to ensure that all communities have reliable access to high-speed internet.
Key Insights
Hammond detailed Maryland’s significant investment of nearly $400 million in digital equity initiatives and the state’s focus on improving broadband access and affordability. He also explained the extended public comment period for BEAD and digital equity plans to ensure comprehensive community involvement. He emphasized the importance of integrating community feedback to develop effective and impactful programs, particularly for historically marginalized groups.
Overview
The panel provided a comprehensive overview of the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program and its vital role in bridging the digital divide. Francella Ochillo highlighted the program’s importance in enhancing broadband infrastructure and promoting digital equity nationwide. Gilbert Resendez discussed the program's implementation and the challenges faced, while Ronnie Hammond shared Maryland’s efforts and the significance of community feedback. The discussion underscored the BEAD program’s critical impact on advancing digital equity and ensuring that all communities, especially underserved ones, gain better access to high-speed broadband.
Panel 3: Preparing Latinos for Tomorrow's Economy: New Challenges, Emerging Technologies, & the Tech Workforce
Speakers —Cid Wilson, Dr. Ximena Gates, Clarissa Ramon, and moderator Diego Deleersnyder—share a moment on stage after discussing strategies to empower Latino communities in the evolving tech landscape.
Moderator: Diego Deleersnyder, Managing Director of The Aspen Institute’s Latinos and Society program
Diego Deleersnyder is the managing director of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society program, where he leads the Latino Digital Success Initiative. This initiative focuses on enhancing Latino workers' and entrepreneurs' preparedness for the 21st-century digital economy.
Cid Wilson: President and CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR)
Background: Wilson has led HACR for the past decade and serves on President Joe Biden’s White House Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.
Key Insights
Wilson highlighted the underrepresentation of Latinos in Fortune 500 board seats, despite their significant population size. He noted that Latinos hold only 4.7% of these positions, with Hispanic women holding just 1.2%. HACR’s efforts include advocating for increased Latino representation in technology roles and other sectors. Wilson emphasized that the challenge lies not in the lack of qualified candidates but in the lack of intentional sponsorship and promotion. He stressed the importance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives being more than symbolic, advocating for genuine, impactful changes.
“We have an opportunity to use your digital technology to advance our community in just so many ways, from a civil rights and social justice and economic empowerment way, but it's gonna take every single one of us to be able to do that.”
“If anyone asks you, What does DEI stand for? You answer loudly. Did earn it.”
Ximena Gates: Chief Executive Officer of BuildWithin
Background: Gates is a serial tech entrepreneur and CEO of BuildWithin, a company focused on on-the-job training and Department of Labor-registered apprenticeships. She has a background in education, having previously served as an assistant superintendent of schools in D.C.
Key Insights
Gates explained the value of registered apprenticeships as a highly structured form of on-the-job training that provides practical experience and benefits, offering a viable alternative to traditional college education. She compared the U.S. apprenticeship model with the more widespread practices in Europe and emphasized the importance of hands-on experience in career development. Gates encouraged high school students to explore careers through practical experiences to better prepare them for the workforce stating, “There is no better experience than actually working. So getting high schoolers into practice, whatever they're needed, and exploring careers.”
Clarissa Ramon: Civil Rights Program Manager, Google
Background: Ramon works on Google's Civil Rights team, focusing on aligning Google's investments with civil rights needs. She coordinates efforts across various departments to maximize the impact of Google's initiatives.
Key Insights
Ramon discussed Google's "Grow with Google" initiative, which provides digital certifications in fields like project management and data analytics. The program aims to bridge the digital skills gap and has awarded approximately 250,000 certifications. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with local and national organizations to ensure the program reaches diverse communities and addresses language barriers. Ramon also highlighted Google’s efforts to combat algorithmic biases in AI, including AI Principles, partnerships with diverse experts, and a Civil Rights Review to enhance product inclusivity.
Overview
The panel, moderated by Deleersnyder, explored the intersection of technology, workforce development, and economic opportunities. Wilson discussed the need for greater Latino representation in corporate roles and the importance of genuine DEI initiatives. Gates emphasized the benefits of registered apprenticeships as a practical job training alternative, while Ramon highlighted Google's "Grow with Google" program and its efforts to improve digital skills and address AI biases. The discussion underscored the critical role of technology and workforce initiatives in advancing economic mobility and ensuring equitable opportunities across diverse communities.
Panel 4: The Reality, Challenges, and Future Innovation of Al
Panelists from 'The Reality, Challenges, and Future Innovation of AI'—Laura MacCleery, Soribel Feliz, Lily Gangas, and moderator Chris Rodriguez—engage in a thought-provoking discussion at the 2024 Digital Inclusion Summit, exploring AI's impact on policy, technology, and the future of innovation.
Moderator: Chris Rodrigez, HTTP Law and Policy Fellow, CUA Law graduate
Chris Rodriguez serves as HTTP’s Law and Policy Fellow focused on current and emerging technology issues impacting U.S. Latinos. Chris helps manage HTTP’s relationship with other national civil rights organizations, the U.S. Federal Government, and the technology sector. Chris substantively assists in HTTP’s advocacy by crafting arguments to the government through Comments, letters, and blogs
Lily Gangas: Chief Technology Community Officer, Kaper Foundation
Background: Gangas leads initiatives at the Kaper Foundation, focusing on racial justice, social impact, and technology. She has been instrumental in launching the foundation’s equitable tech policy.
Key Thoughts
Gangas emphasized the progress made in addressing digital disparities but highlighted persistent infrastructure gaps rooted in historical inequalities. She noted that while substantial investments are flowing into AI development, Latinos remain underrepresented in the venture capital space. Gangas advocated for proactive engagement in technology development and legislation to ensure that Latino communities are not left behind. She highlighted recent initiatives, including a significant commitment from the Kaper Foundation and collaborations with other organizations to promote responsible AI and support Latino inclusion in technology.
Laura MacCleery: Senior Policy Director, Unidos US
Background: MacCleery is a seasoned advocate with 23 years of experience in federal policy. She has been involved in significant legal battles, including challenging the rollback of nutrition standards affecting low-income children.
Key Thoughts
MacCleery outlined Unidos US's three-pillar approach to AI policy: grounding technology in democratic values, ensuring that impacted communities have a voice in setting AI standards, and investing in affected communities to level the playing field. She stressed the importance of establishing robust standards and prohibitions to protect privacy and uphold democratic norms. MacCleery also pointed out the challenges in de-biasing AI models and called for more inclusive governance mechanisms to ensure that AI benefits all communities equitably.
Soribel Feliz: Congressional AI Policy Advisor
Background: Feliz works within Congress, for Senator Bill Cassidy, on issues related to AI policy and technology access.
Key Thoughts
Feliz advocated for a bottom-up approach to digital inclusion, emphasizing the importance of starting at the local level with schools and community initiatives. She suggested that local and state governments should work towards integrating digital literacy into curriculums and that there should be advocacy for more investment from the private sector. Feliz also highlighted the need for civil society to continue raising awareness and advocating for better tech practices. She pointed out that addressing digital literacy is crucial but must be accompanied by efforts to tackle underlying infrastructure challenges.
Overview
The panelists collectively underscored the critical importance of digital inclusion for Latinos amid the rapid advancement of technology and AI. Gangas and MacCleery both stressed the need for proactive strategies to address disparities, with Gangas focusing on increased investment and representation in AI, and MacCleery advocating for regulatory frameworks that respect privacy and democratic values. Feliz emphasized a grassroots approach to digital literacy and the need for both local and systemic efforts to improve access and advocate for industry responsibility. Together, their insights highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to ensure that Latinos can fully participate in and benefit from the digital age.
Acknowledgment
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible. To our esteemed speakers, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights and experiences. Your dedication to advancing community opportunities, enhancing workforce development, and addressing the critical issues in technology is truly inspiring.
A special thank you to our moderators for skillfully guiding the conversation and ensuring a dynamic and engaging discussion. Your leadership and commitment to advancing the Latino community was instrumental in the success of this event.
We also want to express our deep appreciation to the organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event to life. Your hard work and meticulous planning ensured that everything ran smoothly, creating a space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors: AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, T-Mobile, Meta, Google, Charter, CTIA, and NCTA. Thank you for your ongoing support of HTTP’s mission and work.
Finally, to our attendees, thank you for your active participation and for bringing your energy, questions, and perspectives to this panel. Your engagement is vital to the success of events like these, and we are grateful for your contributions. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and working together to drive positive change in our communities.
