Personal Biography:

Twenty years ago, my father encouraged me to study computers when I went off to college. It was "going to be the future", he said. Little did I know how prophetic that statement would become. In an attempt to follow my father's advice, I entered the University as a declared Computer Science major. Unfortunately, I had never seen a computer in my life and it took me over two hours to log onto the first computer I encountered. My experience was a prime example of what people now call the digital divide. I went on to become a student computer consultant at the University helping others like myself overcome their fear and misunderstandings about computers. Although I have since focused my energy on other areas of professional development, the field of technology and the existence of the digital divide always seem to reemerge.

I worked for the Community Resource Project, Inc. My job title was Director of Economic Development and Information Technology. Job duties included outreach into the local community, private sector and the Legislature. Another aspect of my job included implementing the company's technology strategy. This included overseeing all technology operations, subcontractors, support staff and formulating long-term technology strategies for the company.

Prior to Community Resource Project, my work experience included being the Executive Director of a statewide nonprofit agency and a senior policy consultant in the State Senate. A portion of my time in the State Senate included serving as Senior Education Consultant to then President Pro Tem David Roberti. I advised the Senator on all education policy issues to include, the state's budget negotiations. Prior to working in the Capitol, I was a policy analyst for the California School Board Association. My reports included: Proposition 13 Revisited; Achieving The National Education Goals In California; The School Voucher Analysis; and Cutting Through the Red Tape: Meeting the Needs of California's Children.

Goals:

My personal goals for the fellows program include: Becoming more knowledgeable about technology and future changes; Meeting and learning from other professionals in the field; Gaining the leadership skills necessary to implement a model program that can be replicated in other communities; Being identified as an expert in the community-based digital divide field; Providing testimony to help advocate and increase resources to underserved communities; and Identifying and accessing various resources that can be used to help close the digital divide.