How Lashawna Manigault Works With Connect 313

May 24, 20220 Comments

How Lashawna Manigault Works With Connect 313

Lashawna Manigault knows firsthand how difficult it is to own a small business and how crucial internet access and connectivity can be. That’s why she’s supporting small business owners across Detroit as Connect 313’s chair of Policy, Advocacy & Ecosystem.

“If COVID showed us nothing else, it’s that people need to be on the cutting edge of technology. Businesses have had to pivot their business models, taking COVID into consideration,” she says.

During the pandemic, Lashawna discovered the digital technology learning curve was leaving numerous small business owners behind. Without computers and internet access, many were missing out on grants and financial opportunities.

“Businesses, like hair salons and barbers, have had to put COVID safety plans in place and do new things, like create new platforms for calendars and scheduling, connect through Zoom, and utilize online platforms to connect to the resources available to help their businesses stay upright,” she says.

Lashawna learned about Connect 313 while on a digital divide committee. She knew Connect 313’s mission would pair perfectly with the work she’d been doing as the Director of Small Business Retention & Expansion for the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

“Being able to bridge the work I’ve done with one committee and make sure small businesses are a focus and initiative within Connect 313 is a very important objective of mine,” she says.

Lashawna is currently working hard behind the scenes, planning for Detroit’s annual Digital Inclusion Week, which will be held the first full week of October. The multi-day event educates and connects Detroiters by offering tools and platforms for small businesses, digital literacy training for seniors, hands-on activities for students, and more.

As a native Detroiter, Lashawna is proud to help empower small businesses in our community by advocating for policy change, creating digital resources, and ensuring residents have affordable, reliable internet access.

“It’s a privilege and it keeps me going to be able to help people be their best selves and do their best work in this city,” Lashawna says. “It’s a collaborative effort.”

To reach Lashawna, email manigaultinc@gmail.com.

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Meet Connect 313’s TeQuion Brookins

May 16, 20220 Comments

Meet Connect 313’s TeQuion Brookins

TeQuion Brookins is passionate about setting people up for success. And that’s exactly what she does in her role as the 2022 chair of the Structure & Operations Committee for Connect 313. TeQuion helps develop processes and policies that clarify and streamline Connect 313’s work that aims to end Detroit’s digital divide.

“Our committee is filled with passionate Detroiters who are equally committed to removing barriers and ensuring fidelity to our purpose,” she says. “The work we’ve done has had a visible impact on the operations of Connect 313 and that’s been fulfilling to witness.”

Over the last year, TeQuion has helped establish systems for committees to review community suggestions, created presentation guidelines to ensure suggestions get publicized equitably, and constructed a conflict-of-interest policy to support trust-building and transparency.

This year, her team is focused on reaching even more digitally disconnected Detroiters and she encourages everyone to take part.

A native Detroiter, TeQuion is also the founder and COO of the Minority Freedom Community Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of African Americans through economic support, social programs, and holistic wellness.

After learning about the technological struggles many Detroit students were facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, she knew something needed to be done.

“We were hearing stories of blocks of students sharing one neighbor’s computer to access the then new virtual learning offerings. We heard even more stories of students who just couldn’t attend school for weeks due to not having access to digital devices or internet,” she said.

TeQuion was just beginning to work on developing a solution when she discovered Connect 313 and began serving on early workgroups to help organize the initiative.

“Detroit has always been home for me. I love how real the people are, our style, our culture,” said TeQuion. “I hope people feel empowered to get involved and share their ideas… We want to hear from you about what we can do to end the digital divide.”

To reach TeQuion, email: Tequion@mifreedomcf.org.

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