The Digital Divide’s Impact in Rural Areas and Communities of Color

The COVID-19 Pandemic has exacerbated a long-standing problem in our communities. As more and more of our economy and education moves on-line, the people who need these resources the most are the least likely to have access. Join this conversation about the policies and economics behind the Digital Divide and what you can do in your community to help fix it.

  Jeremy W. Hegle is a senior community development advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and leads efforts to narrow the digital divide across the Bank’s seven-state District. In 2019 Jeremy co-authored Disconnected: seven lessons on fixing the digital divide. The publication pulls on perspectives from more than 160 community leaders from across the country and provides an understanding of broadband access, economic impact and solutions for communities to narrow the digital divide. Prior to joining the Kansas City Fed, Hegle helped launch the SourceLink entrepreneurship programs. At SourceLink Hegle consulted with government agencies, universities and nonprofit organization on strengthening their entrepreneurial communities. Hegle earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Missouri Kansas City and served as a medic in the Missouri Army National Guard. [email protected]

  Jaime-Lee Bradshaw serves as the Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer at Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) in Palm Beach County, Florida.  She first joined CPSFL as director at a neighborhood resource center, called BRIDGES where she worked to support youth engaged in the criminal justice system, as an emergency housing case manager, an after-school director, and as a consultant for a local early childhood funder. In her current role, she supports the visioning and implementation of CPSFL's strategic goals and oversees ‘Amplifying Impact’ CPSFL's consulting services that include conference and convening support, rapid results facilitation, implementation of the national Dialogue to Change program, resident and community engagement and leadership efforts, public and private meeting facilitation, and nonprofit incubation services. Jaime received her degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of North Florida and enjoys spending time with her family and friends both locally and abroad. [email protected]

Santos Morales has worked in community and economic development since 1998. He managed commercial revitalization initiatives in the South Bronx where he helped start merchant associations and implemented street improvement and beautification strategies. He later worked for an economic development nonprofit in Brooklyn managing several business development programs including a women business center. Since 2018, Santos has been the Director of Economic Prosperity at Enterprising Latinas in Wimauma, a rural town south of Tampa. Santos is responsible for implementing community and economic development initiatives at the individual and community levels. Some of these programs include entrepreneurial and workforce development training, a community wi-fi network, and a community plan campaign that seeks to update the area’s comprehensive plan. A native New Yorker, Santos has been living in the Tampa Bay area since 2016. He has a master’s in Nonprofit Management and is fluent in English and Spanish. [email protected]

  Scott Hansel joined Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) as the chief executive officer in June 2017, bringing unique expertise in both building and leading organizations. Scott has extensive senior leadership experience with national healthcare corporations, small businesses, and start-up enterprises. As an entrepreneur, Scott has developed several new businesses from concept to nationally-recognized best practice levels. Since 2011, he has been a strong supporter of the life-changing work of CPSFL on a financial and volunteer basis. An excellent listener, creative thinker, and visionary, Scott is a highly collaborative and contemplative leader. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Bellarmine University and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Kentucky. Rarely one to sit still long, Scott loves to be outside and enjoys running, cycling, swimming, fishing, and golfing.  [email protected]

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