On October 9, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) hosted their inaugural digital inclusion event, Celebrating Digital Equity in Massachusetts: A Forum for Innovation and Collaboration. The event took place as part of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Digital Inclusion Week, which took place from October 7-11, 2024.
Held at the BrickBox Theater in Worcester, the gathering brought together digital equity practitioners and organizations from across the state to celebrate the narrowing of the digital divide. Additionally, three awards were handed out in the categories of Digital Equity Leader, Top Innovator in Digital Inclusion, and Excellence in Community Impact.
Dozens of applications were submitted in these award categories. The following recipients were:
- Digital Equity Leader: Mei Ngo, Tech Goes Home
- Excellence in Community Impact: Tech Foundry
- Top Innovator in Digital Inclusion: Mass Association of Computer and Internet Resources (MACIR)
In addition to recognizing award winners, attendees heard about the digital equity initiatives from organizations including the Bernardston Council on Aging, Just A Start, MACIR, the Orleans Council on Aging and El Centro.
The day’s agenda was rounded out with a panel discussion moderated by Tech Goes Home CEO Dan Noyes. The panelists were: Clayton Cheever of the Morrill Memorial Library, Kim Shellenberger of Vinfen, Penny Hasseli of MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, and Virginia Benzan of the Mass Law Reform Institute.
The panel discussion was centered around sustainability and the future of digital equity. The meaningful dialogue included key topics such as person-centered service delivery and programs tailored to the specific needs identified by community members.
Emphasizing the need for issues to be community-centered and –focused, Benzan said, “Anything I do needs to come from the community.”
Panelists, as well as audience members who participated in the question-and-answer session acknowledged that while significant progress had been made in the field, there was still work to be done.
Benzan told participants, “Be bold, creative and innovative. Let’s share information and be in community with each other.”
Those interested in learning more about the digital inclusion award winners and viewing the photo gallery from the day can do so here.