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.