25+ Yrs Digital Divide Narrower
* November, 2020: Prompted Zoom to lift 40 min time limit on free accounts during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years Holidays — so friend and families could commune without limit. Other video chat platforms followed.
* Since 2017 co-leader of the tech club at a large 55+ community in Alexandria, VA. Gaining ‘real time’ practical knowledge; how to explain, engage, empower 55+ populations in using current consumer tech to advance well-being, reduce social isolation. Covid ‘stay at home’ restrictions prompted expedited education and support for numerous older residents.
* Former Board member of a large Mid-Atlantic senior living community (Independent, Assisted, Skilled Nursing). Invited for tech know-how.
* Former FTC consumer protection + messaging regulatory/public policy Attorney w/BE,ElecEng. Knack for communicating complex subject to populations with widely varying literacy backgrounds (health, language, digital).
* 25 years grassroots digital divide narrowing efforts:
* MarthasTable.org’s first volunteer IT consultant, webmaster & online donation catalyst.
* Capitol Hill ‘I Have A Dream’ student program’s first large computer equipment donation catalyst.
* Over the years have helped numerous older adults and their adult children learn to use tech effectively to boost their well-being; despite previously having been adamantly opposed to learning how to use a computer or the Internet.