It’s full circle for structure and operations committee co-chair Jordan Falby

April 1, 20240 Comments

It’s full circle for structure and operations committee co-chair Jordan Falby

For Jordan Falby, serving as co-chair of Connect 313’s structure and operations committee is a little like coming home. That’s because she was part of the original team that laid the ground work for the organization in 2020 and helped define its governance during its earliest days.

“I was a program manager for United Way for Southeastern Michigan at the time, and worked with the city of Detroit and the Rocket Community Fund as they were building the collaborative behind Connect 313, fleshing out the concept,” Falby explained.

Now, as she co-leads activities for what she calls the organization’s “OG” committee, Falby is looking to further refine core elements underpinning Connect 313’s day-to-day work and how that work is funded.

“The idea was to establish a Board of Directors to support Connect 313’s work in bridging the digital divide,” Falby said. “As we looked at aligning like-minded organizations, we began to envision Connect 313’s structure and how it would operate. Now, four years later, I have the opportunity to take what we created to the next level.”

Falby, who is the DEI Manager at Walker-Miller Energy Services, says her committee will be looking at bringing in resources from the digital equity space, building efficiencies into Connect 313 operations, and analyzing the longer term effects of the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) wind down.

“Connect 313 recognized the value of the ACP and put tremendous effort into enrolling eligible households. This team’s work helped make Detroit a high-impact city within the program. Now, we must pivot from the ACP to other funding opportunities and resources, so we’re looking at that, too,” Falby shared. 

She points to Connect 313’s Neighborhood Tech Hubs, and the city’s newly certified tech hubs, as prime examples of alternative resources for Detroit residents. Likewise, Connect 313 Community Ambassadors provide a critical service helping Detroiters navigate a rich digital ecosystem.

“As Connect 313 grows and matures, we’re assessing whether it makes sense to add subcommittees to explore re-engaging people and organizations who have supported our mission in the past. 

“There’s just so much available in Detroit and we’re making great strides in closing the digital divide. As the co-chair of the structure and operations committee I’m excited about what we can achieve this year, and how Connect 313 can improve and grow,” Falby said. 

To become a Connect 313 member, find a Neighborhood Tech Hub, meet with a Community Ambassador, submit a suggestion for a community initiative, receive free digital skills training and more, visit connect313.org.

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Expert Educator Brings Leadership Experience to Special Projects, Shared Resources Committee

March 28, 20240 Comments

Educator brings leadership experience
to special projects committee

In 2020, the National Organization of Black County Officials asked Dr. Paula Whittaker Watkins to speak at a conference. There, the seasoned leader and education expert met Connect 313 Founder Joshua Edmonds and immediately got on board with his vision of every Detroiter having full access to the digital ecosystem and its world of opportunities. 

“Through my work with younger and older adult students, I understood the significance of Connect 313’s mission and the importance of a fully digitally connected city. I saw the need and wanted to help,” Whittaker Watkins said.

For two years, she successfully chaired Connect 313’s digital literacy and skilling committee and then stepped back for personal reasons. Today, she’s re-engaged as the 2024 chair of the organization’s special projects and shared resources team. 

“Connect 313 should be a household name in Detroit. Part of our work will be to advance our name so there is immediate recognition of who we are and what we do. That’s my personal goal,” Whittaker Watkins shared.

“I also want to advance our community suggestion function, which is at the core of Connect 313’s grass roots appeal and effectiveness. Also, we’ll look at deploying strategies across Connect 313 and its tech hubs and other organizational systems so that our work has a lasting, positive impact on the community.”

Whittaker Watkins is the cofounder and CEO of the American International Cyber Institute and understands the role community plays in building word-of-mouth credibility for an organization. With that in mind, she’ll work to enhance Connect 313’s visibility among local community centers, neighborhood and faith-based organizations, and other key places people congregate.

“Through our committee chairs and members, we are spreading the word in schools and academies by talking to students, parents and teachers,” Whittaker Watkins said. 

Whittaker Watkins’ passion for digital equity comes from her inside knowledge and grasp of technology’s role in the 21st century. She believes, along with Connect 313, that access to technology is a right and necessity and that equity, in all environments, forever transforms lives. 

“I’m committed to the work of Connect 313 and the vision Joshua Edmonds had four years ago. By serving on a committee, we’re developing a camaraderie that advances our mission and deepens our investment in bridging the digital divide,” Whittaker Watkins explained. “I’m ready to build on the momentum of the organization and energize our team.” 

To become a Connect 313 member, find a Neighborhood Tech Hub, meet with a Community Ambassador, submit a suggestion for a community initiative, receive free digital skills training and more, visit connect313.org.

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Meet Myla Chapman, your Connect 313 District 4 Community Ambassador

March 22, 20240 Comments

Meet Myla Chapman, your Connect 313 District 4 Community Ambassador

Myla’s neighborhood home base is at the Eastside Community Network (ECN), which has served Detroit’s eastside since 1984 and driven positive transformation among that community’s residents and businesses. Formerly the Warren Conner Development Coalition, the people at ECN have worked tirelessly to develop programs and resources that center the needs of eastside residents and amplify their voices to drive development within their communities. You can find Myla and the ECN at 4401 Conner Street, Detroit, 48215 or by visiting ecn-detroit.org.

Read on to learn more about Myla, your District 4 Community Ambassador.

C313: Tell us about District 4 and what makes it special?

It’s a well-kept secret that District 4 is vibrant and resilient. Residents are welcoming and provide the warmest hospitality while appreciating their fun.

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

I tell folks in my family and the community that as a Connect 313 Community Ambassador, my role is to advocate for Detroit residents by bringing them accessible and affordable digital resources and technical support. I stay updated on the latest technology and help district residents achieve digital literacy, find appropriate devices and learn how they can empower themselves through technology.

C313: Why do you love being a community ambassador?

I enjoy the different cultures and environments in District 4 and collaborating with organizations and community residents there. My role offers a unique perspective because I’m a Detroit resident on the westside advocating for the eastside while representing my city. Being a Community Ambassador allows me to be adaptable, spontaneous, independent and innovative while meeting people where they are.

C313: Tell us one surprising fact about yourself?

I was born on Friday the 13th at Henry Ford Hospital, and my birthday in 2024 falls on Friday, December 13, the month I was born.

C313: Favorite thing about Detroit?

My favorite thing about Detroit is the people. We are resilient and stylish, and get the job done with flair and grace. Also, I love Belle Isle, which is one of my favorite places. It’s unique, peaceful and serene and brings Detroiters together to have a good time and engage as a community.

 

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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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