Representative: Allen Hackman
Digital Angels helps those in the community with limited financial resources to obtain the digital literacy skills needed to obtain employment in today’s digital economy. Digital Angels serves as the “Digital Angel” along the journey to digital literacy by providing a computer, internet access, digital literacy training, and career mentorship.
What is the focus of your organization?
Access to Technology and Digital Literacy
How did your organization start?
It started as a result of watching a documentary called “Without A Net” on the digital divide in the US and as a Technology executive and father, it pulled on my heart and I knew at that point I was going to make an impact in my community. I wasn’t sure how yet, but I knew what!
What is the issue you’re addressing?
Digital Angels is helping close the gap between the required access to technology and the digital skills needed to obtain meaningful employment in today’s digital economy and the lack of digital skills and access to technology experienced by many lower income members of our community.
Where did your passion for this cause come from?
As a technology executive, I was keenly aware of the role technology was playing in the workplace and the skills required to be successful. In fact, I recognized the impact technology was going to play in the workplace early in my career and made a pivot into technology. I feel so grateful and lucky for the opportunities that I have had and for my ability to support my family and provide for my two daughters in a way that I never had growing up. I have accomplished what I wanted to in my career and now I want to use my time and energy coupled with my knowledge and experience of technology to provide a path to an improved quality of life to those most in need in our community.
Why is your work so important?
The future of work is Digital. More and more jobs will require some level of technology skills. Those without the needed digital skills will find it increasingly harder, if not impossible to obtain meaningful employment. We must do everything we can to equip those in need to with the digital skills needed in order to give them a solid chance to improve their financial position for the long term.
What are you most excited for as it relates to the SEED20 process?
I am most excited about the exposure it will create for Digital Angels in the community as well as network of resources that will be open to us during and after as an alumni.
What have you already learned from this process?
I have already learned the amazing things my fellow class of 2019 members are doing and the impact they are making in Charlotte. I am honored and humbled to be a part of such an amazing group of people.
What do you hope to get out of SEED20?
The obvious answer would be the money to help serve our mission but honestly, I really hope to use the experience to hone our story, get our name out in the community, and build a great network of resources and partners in the Charlotte community.
@DigitalAngelsNetwork
SEED20 Onstage is on March 25, 2019. Tickets available soon.
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