Maria Montoya is Helping Connect Families to Essential Digital Devices

August 23, 20230 Comments

Maria Montoya is Helping Connect Families to Essential Digital Devices

Maria Montoya serves as chair of Connect 313’s Devices and Connectivity Committee. She’s passionate about working with communities to ensure children and families have what they need to succeed. 

“I have never met a parent who doesn’t want the best for their child or their family, but, more often than not, barriers exist to them being able to access their full ability to reach their dreams,” Maria said. “Sometimes that’s knowledge and other times it can be actual tools, such as a device.”

Maria got involved with Connect 313 through Brilliant Detroit’s partnership with Human-I-T. She’s a former journalist whose desire to help families inspired her to change career paths.

“I spent the first half of my career covering celebrities, children and families, and education as a features writer at USA Today and the Times-Picayune (New Orleans),” she shared. “I moved into education and advocacy work in 2008 when I left journalism to be part of a team of parents pushing for better access to public schools and childcare in New Orleans.” 

That work ultimately led Maria to Detroit. 

“I have lived here for seven years, and what I love about the city is very similar to what I love about New Orleans – the people. This city’s love and appreciation of its culture and history is evident, even among very young Detroiters,” Maria said.

At Connect 313, she’s working to close the digital divide by ensuring families with kids have the devices they need and stable, low cost or no cost Wi-Fi. She focuses on collaboration and efficiency to best serve the people of Detroit.

“Connect 313 is a community-centered initiative that anyone can get involved in and I truly believe what’s made it so remarkable is the fact that there is room at the table for everyone,” she said. “Part of the reason why our city is leading in closing the digital gap is because every voice is being included in the work. We should never stop pushing ourselves to make sure the community is at the heart of all the decisions we make.”

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Meet Shadora Ford, your District Five Community Ambassador

August 14, 20230 Comments

Meet Shadora Ford, your District Five Community Ambassador

High-energy Shadora is the founder and leader of Destined for Greatness, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and motivating at-risk girls and young women in Detroit to do things that once seemed impossible. DFG provides training in hygiene, self-esteem, education, and job readiness along with groceries, household supplies, summer youth jobs and back-to-school essentials. In her role, Shadora understands the need for all Detroiters to have equal access to high-speed internet and the skills needed to navigate our digital world.

Read on to learn more about your District Five community ambassador.

C313: Tell us about your district and what makes it special?

Shadora: District 5 is a thriving community of folks who have been underserved and overlooked yet remain resilient enough to create lifelong histories shared from generation to generation. I grew up in 48214, and as a resident I appreciate the many programs and organizations, such as MACC Development, delivering essential services to those in need.

C313: How do you describe your work with Connect 313 to your family and friends?

Shadora: Connect 313 is providing FREE digital literacy classes, affordable internet and low-cost devices to Detroiters. With partners such as Rocket Mortgage, Infinity and Human IT we have community ambassadors in each of Detroit’s seven districts. I’m proud to have helped in the creation of 17 Connect 313 Tech Hubs across Detroit, for residents to enjoy! #POWEREDBYDETROIT

C313: Why do you love being a community ambassador?

Shadora: My God given purpose, passion and pride comes from helping people! In my role as a community ambassador, I have the privilege of helping people sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which means more people can experience low cost internet from the comfort of their own home.

C313: Tell us one surprising fact about yourself?

Shadora: I was born at 5555 Conner Street in Detroit, at what was then Mercy Hospital. Since 2010, I have mentored over 15,000 girls and helped nearly 50,000 families at the same 5555 Conner Street address, where I created the Destined for Greatness Mentoring & Community Resource Center!

C313: Favorite thing about Detroit?

Shadora: Detroit is home sweet home and a beautiful, diverse blend of innovative people who have coined catchy phrases for the world to repeat such as “What Up Doe?” and “Detroit vs. Everybody.”

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Meet Debra Anderson, your District Seven Community Ambassador.

August 3, 20230 Comments

Meet Debra Anderson, your District Seven Community Ambassador. 

Debra serves on the board of the Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO), which is a federation of some 130 black and non-black organizations working to build a stronger community through a variety of services including HIV and suicide prevention, substance abuse support and COVID-19 resources. Additionally, DABO is a Connect 313 Tech Hub where Detroiters can access computer hardware, internet technology, digital literacy programming and tech-savvy staff. Visit DABO at 12048 Grand River, in Detroit.  

Read on to learn more about Debra, your District Seven community ambassador.  

C313: Tell us about District Seven and what makes it special? 

Debra: District 7 is located in the heart of a robust residential community with businesses, community and recreation centers, parks and churches where our residents can engage, learn and thrive. 

C313: How do you describe your work with Connect 313 to your family and friends? 

Debra: The DABO Community Center in District 7 offers many services to the public including a health clinic, senior exercise and dance programs, youth summer employment, a meeting place for local block clubs, and a live radio broadcast every Saturday, where I announce Connect 313 services and events. 

C313: Why do you love being a community ambassador? 

Debra: I love being a Connect313 Ambassador because it gives me an opportunity to offer valuable services to the community, youth, families and seniors.  

C313: Tell us one surprising fact about yourself? 

Debra: I am the official field-trip guru for my church and the DABO center because I enjoy planning excursions to the many cultural, fun and educational sites in our city. We’ve visited the Charles H. Wright Museum, the Motown Museum, and the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center to name a few. 

C313: Favorite thing about Detroit? 

Debra: I love the Riverwalk, which has won first place twice as the best riverwalk in a US city, our cultural and educational sites, and our great ethnic restaurants. 

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Connect 313 Grant Supports Digital Equity Work at Per Scholas

July 13, 20231 Comment

Connect 313 Grant Supports Digital Equity Work at Per Scholas

“Per scholas” is a Latin phrase meaning “through the schools.” In Detroit, Per Scholas translates to a successful nonprofit delivering no-cost, hands-on tech training in the city and across Southeast Michigan. 

Founded in New York in 1995, Per Scholas came to Detroit in 2019 with the mission of advancing economic equity by training participants for tech careers and connecting skilled job candidates to local businesses eager to diversify their talent base. 

“Since our launch in Detroit, we’ve trained 350 individuals in different IT careers and have consistently achieved 85 percent employment rates for our graduates, who earn industry recognized certifications in five IT tracks,” said Senior Managing Director of Per Scholas Detroit, Dr. JR Sledge. 

Dr. Sledge says Per Scholas changes the trajectory of adult learners who are caught in the digital divide and have limited resources. The nonprofit does this by offering its career-ready training in both classroom and remote settings and establishing partnerships with businesses hungry for the program’s qualified tech talent. 

Funding Digital Equity

And that’s why Connect 313 provided Per Scholas with a generous $50,000 grant to support its continued work in digital equity and inclusion.

“With Connect 313’s support, Per Scholas is able to provide learners with the tech devices they need, deliver immersive IT training, and give students the confidence to effectively work in a professional setting,” Dr. Sledge shared.

In fact, Dr. Sledge estimates that Per Scholas graduates earn as much as eight times the salary they did before their training. Students are required to begin working following graduation, with the goal of discovering their tech niche and returning to upskill through additional Per Scholas training.

“Importantly, our learners are making an economic impact on the area because as higher wage earners they are stronger consumers,” Dr. Sledge explained. “What’s more, Per Scholas graduates are adding much needed diversity to tech businesses throughout the region. And we know that a more diverse workforce translates into more successful enterprises.

“Per Scholas is committed, deliberate and intentional about creating opportunities for a diversity of people in the IT space and helping to ensure economic equity and inclusion,” Dr. Sledge continued. “We aim to shift the current landscape of IT professionals and continue to change lives.” 

Visit perscholas.org to learn more about cost-free training for an IT career.

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Fadiah

Meet Fadiah Yahya, your District Six Community Ambassador

June 8, 20230 Comments

Meet Fadiah Yahya, your District Six Community Ambassador

Fadiah starts her day at the Bridging Communities organization, located at 6900 McGraw Avenue, across from Dingerman Park in Detroit. As the community ambassador to Detroit’s District Six, she’s dedicated to bringing everything internet to neighborhoods across the area. Read on to learn more about Fadiah.

C313: Tell us about District 6

Fadiah: District 6 in southwest Detroit has a unique range of diverse neighborhoods including Mexicantown, Hubbard Farms, Spring Village and others. It’s a multicultural community that shares valuable cultural heritage and resources.

C313: How do you describe your work to friends and relatives?

Fadiah: I am the Connect 313 District 6 Community Ambassador, which means I am here to serve to the best of my ability. I help connect Detroiters to appropriate devices and digital resources for improved learning, employment and wellbeing and tell them about internet discount programs. Detroit deserves to be known as digitally equipped and its people digitally included. Whenever I can, I share the Connect 313 website address, talk about tech hubs, encourage suggestions and support participation in our monthly community conversations.

Connect 313: Why do you love being a community ambassador?

Fadiah: I love that I am able to make a difference in someone’s life, whether it’s a big change or a small one. It truly makes me happy! There’s nothing more valuable and rewarding than being the person who can honestly answer questions without making someone feel uncomfortable or unworthy of my time. I am providing digital resources and empowerment and ensuring all residents have access to affordable, reliable digital technology.

Connect 313: What is your favorite thing about Detroit?

Fadiah: My favorite thing about Detroit is the people. I have travelled in the United States and overseas and couldn’t find that peaceful feeling that I feel being in Detroit. Regardless of the news, I still find Detroit the best city and full of culture, history, and always vibrant.

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Connect 313 Funds Early STEM Camps for Detroit Middle Schoolers

May 26, 20230 Comments

Connect 313 Funds Early STEM Camps for Detroit Middle Schoolers

Just before the pandemic shut everything down in 2020, Cleary University’s Detroit Education Center launched a special STEM program for the area’s middle schoolers. The idea was to use LEGOs as literal building blocks to expose naturally curious fifth through eighth graders to the elements of basic robotics and computer coding.

“It’s important to Cleary University that it makes a difference in the communities it serves,” said Latasha Ellis, director at the DEC. “We started this program to provide STEM learning for students in underserved areas where there might not be exposure to this type of activity.”

Classes were online until 2021, and then schools across Michigan began returning to in-person teaching. But for Ellis, the program’s earlier switch to a virtual setting had revealed a gaping digital divide.

Understanding the value of STEM education in addressing the divide, Ellis contacted Connect 313 to request funding support. In response, Connect 313 provided a generous grant of $18,500, which Cleary was able to use for STEM camp scholarships, supplies, and the children’s lunchtime meals. Today, Critical Thinking with LEGO® is a popular program with two week-long camps in the summer and two six-week weekend programs throughout the winter. Since 2020, more than 100 children have participated.

Under the instruction of Cleary University professors, students use LEGO blocks to build robots or cars and then code them to move. Coding can include instructions to pickup a block, push a swing, cross a bridge, or even dance.

“Every child knows and loves LEGOs and that makes them a great way to introduce new concepts and ways of thinking,” Ellis said. “In this program, we’re exposing kids to coding, teamwork, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and a host of experiences that will help them be successful in just about every part of their lives.”

Both winter and summer camps are held at Cleary’s DEC location in the Durfee Innovation Society, next to Central High School where neighborhood children are given the first opportunity to enroll.

“We give kids in the Central High community the first chance to register so that if there is limited access to transportation, they can still participate,” Ellis explained.

And participation is what it’s all about for Ellis and the team at Cleary University. By providing Detroit middle school students with access to technology, Cleary, with the support of Connect 313, is fostering a digitally included community.

REGISTER TODAY

This summer, camps are June 26 – 30, and July 10 – 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Durfee Innovation Society, 2470 Collingwood St, Detroit, MI 48206. Lunch is provided. Call 800-686-1883 for more information or to register or use the QR codes below.

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Closing the Digital Divide is Music to Alvin Lockett’s Ears

May 9, 20230 Comments

Closing the Digital Divide is Music to Alvin Lockett’s Ears

“There is no place like Detroit,” says Alvin Lockett, who is better known as “Aj.”

Aj is vice chair of the Devices and Connectivity Committee at Connect 313. He was born and raised in Detroit and has had a passion for technology for as long as he can remember. 

“So many people and organizations need access to technology, and I wanted to be part of the team that makes that possible. Lack of access is a barrier, and to be a solution to that problem is so enjoyable,” he says.

Aj is a Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit alumnus, and executive director of RTTM Community Center, a Detroit nonprofit that builds hope and access through resident introductions to news industries, individuals and ideas. Additionally, Lockett leads Que Blackout, a youth theater nonprofit focusing on technical theater and content creation. 

“My love of technology and arts merged, and seeing young people create and find jobs in tech, theater and marketing makes my day.”

Lockett initially got involved with Connect 313 at Digital Inclusion Week. After learning more about the program’s mission to bridge the digital divide and connect people with the resources they need – he knew he wanted to play a more prominent role.

In his position at Connect 313, Aj helps grassroots connectivity efforts by ensuring funding goes to organizations that need it the most. 

“As much as I love my city, there can be a considerable gap between the haves and have-nots,” he says. “The Devices and Connectivity team’s goal is to help organizations that fall within the $50,000 to $100,000 range, that target families and communities that need extra help.” 

For Aj, it’s fulfilling work he wants everyone to be part of.

“My life’s mission is to provide hope and access. As part of this team, I can help more people have both,” he says. “I hope others find a way to get involved. Every action builds upon the next; we look up, and it’s a movement.”

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Richard Ramirez

Policy and Advocacy Thrive with Partnerships Across the Community

April 18, 20230 Comments

Policy and Advocacy Thrive with Partnerships Across the Community

When Richard Ramirez isn’t serving as vice chair of Connect 313’s policy, advocacy and ecosystem committee, he’s busy at DTE Energy as head of innovation and technology, and IT corporate social responsibility activities. 

As such, he’s gotten a bird’s eye view of the benefits of digital access and connectivity and conversely, the significant challenges to neighborhoods and residents encountering digital gaps.  

In late 2021, a DTE colleague tapped Ramirez to gauge his interest in supporting Connect 313. She believed the organization’s mission to close Detroit’s digital divide aligned perfectly with Ramirez’s passion for tech equity. He agreed.

Now, Ramirez will lend his penchant for giving back to the community – something he learned from his parents while hopscotching across Texas – to support the efforts of the policy committee’s previous work and fully understand what’s happening at local, state and federal levels to address the digital divide.  

“It’s critical that we recognize the constructs supporting city, county and state organizations, and policies being enacted to help provide access to digital equipment, support digital literacy and enable digital connectivity. Then we can figure out where new policy is needed, or whether we augment and advocate for current policies to have broader and deeper impact here,” Ramirez said.

What’s more, Ramirez sees this role as an opportunity to help ensure activation happens outside of a vacuum and in the right places. 

“For me, this role is best approached collaboratively, both with partners in the community, and across other committees within Connect 313. In that way we can leverage opportunities and connect the dots for folks so that more people can achieve their maximum potential.” 

Ramirez says he will measure success by the degree to which he has motivated people to action, created change and positioned Connect 313 as a model for organizations pursuing similar goals. 

Detroit has been home to Ramirez and his family for nine years, after his wife’s career brought them to the city. But he fondly remembers his time camping as a child in Texas and his parents teaching him to always leave a place better than how he found it. That’s part of his impetus today. 

“That lesson has always resonated with me. Whether it’s the natural world or the community around me, finding ways in which to make people’s lives better and richer brings such joy to our own lives.”

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“The Work that Connect 313 Does is One of a Kind”

March 30, 20230 Comments

“The Work that Connect 313 Does is One of a Kind”

As the new Vice Chair of Connect 313’s Digital Literacy & Skilling Committee, Asia Browner is helping Detroiters learn digital literacy skills to improve their everyday lives. 

“Digital Literacy & Skilling is very broad but encompasses everything,” she says. “Connect 313 wants every Detroiter to be fully digital.”

Asia is a native Detroiter and a graduate of Cass Tech High School. After Cass Tech, she attended Howard University, Wayne State, Walsh College, Wayne County Community College District, and the University of South Florida. Professionally, she has held various positions in Information Technology from help desk to network architecture to project manager. 

She considers herself a ‘solutions-oriented’ computer professional and has expertise in IT, information security, and relationship building. She currently works in Wayne County Community College District’s Student Success Center where she serves as an advisor, data analyst, and project manager. 

“Over the past 10 years I have been working with the youth in various programs getting them skilled and computer literate,” Asia says. “With my information technology background, I was usually one of the few persons of color in the room and usually none of those people were from Detroit.”

Asia joined Connect 313 in January after a friend recommended she get involved. Since joining, she has formed a committee and is excited to get to work.

“The work that Connect 313 does is one of a kind,” she says. “To mix government, the business community, and the philanthropic community speaks of the devotion that Connect 313 has in making Detroiters digital.”

As she steps into her new role, Asia hopes to expand Connect 313’s reach and exposure even more. 

“Detroit is very rich in history. I love the people of Detroit and their grit, drive, and tenacity,” she says. “[Connect 313] will help the quality of life for all the residents of Detroit.”

Outside of the digital world, Asia loves to bake cakes. She makes a mean German chocolate cake among many others.

For help with digital literacy, a great place to start is Connect 313’s Digital Literacy Playbook. You can access it free of charge by clicking here.

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Meet Phyllis Edwards, An Advocate and Problem Solver

March 17, 20230 Comments

Meet Phyllis Edwards, An Advocate and Problem Solver

Phyllis Edwards makes no bones about her high-tech capabilities. Yes, she knows her way around an electronic device, and she can effectively use the internet, but she doesn’t consider herself “tech savvy.” That’s why she got involved with Connect 313.

Edwards is the 2023 chair of Connect 313’s Policy, Advocacy and Ecosystems committee. She brings to the role a lifetime of activity on behalf of people whose voices aren’t getting heard.

Most recently the executive director of Bridging Communities, a Detroit nonprofit that supports equitable housing, Edwards now serves as a project development consultant focused on eldercare and community development.

“When COVID-19 hit, I realized that my senior citizens, thegrandparents, didn’t have connectivity to technology to help their grandchildren with homework,” Edwards shared. “I alsoknew that online access, and the right tech devices for telehealth,were not an option and that social isolation was going to be an issue.”

Always an advocate and problem solver, she began looking for a solution and knew she had to get involved.

Edwards first encountered Connect 313 early in its formation, learning more about the ambassador program, attending meetings and later, establishing a tech hub at Bridging Communities. When she participated in the 2022 Detroit Digital Inclusion Week, she was convinced the timing was right for a deeper engagement.

“I’m interested in systemic change, so when the policy and advocacy committee became available, I signed up and was elected to lead the group’s activities. I believe that people who want to make changes need to be at the table when those changes are being made. That’s what I’m working on at Connect 313,” Edwards said.

It’s no surprise that this energetic and passionate advocate raised her hand to volunteer. Her first career was in Michigan’s child protective services and its foster program. While there, and because she traveled throughout state, she served as a culture ambassador to help build inclusion and diversity across state employee ranks.

What’s more, Edwards understands the ever-shifting dynamics of policy and funding within the nonprofit space. While at Bridging Communities, she was able to align the organization with the credentials needed to be competitive for available fundsin the Detroit market.

Now, she gearing-up for her new role at Connect 313.

“I’m in the process of building our committee and ensuring there’s continuity between 2022 and 2023 goals. As important, I’m looking at the policies that are out there, whether state,federal or local, and communicating those policies, and identifying how they impact the people and communities we serve,” Edwards explained.

Edwards believes equality of the entire digital eco-system is critical and must be part of a long-term plan. Her vision is a system that embraces the physically challenged, seniors who don’t have technology, and people with devices who don’t know how to use them, then provides access, connectivity and the training people need to fully engage.

“We want to make sure that as we move forward in this new digital world, we don’t leave people behind as they have been left behind before. It’s simply too important that we bring everyone along.”

Detroit has many resources and opportunities for residents. Click here to learn more: https://connect313.org/resident-resources-2/.

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