Austin, TX – Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTM) participated in the Digital Inclusion Week 2021 webinar: “Nonprofits Tackle the Digital Divide During COVID” together with other non-profit community leaders. Paty Sesma, AUTM's Vice President of Marketing and Communications, discussed how the pandemic provided a big opportunity for AUTM to assist the community in obtaining computers and internet connectivity so that students and adults could continue their education and work virtually. “COVID-19 really didn’t stop us. We were able to move quickly and transform the challenge into an opportunity because we are a tech-driven non-profit. We collaborated with other organizations and were able to distribute over 300 computers, 30 of which were provided by the City of Austin and 15 by DISCO. We have also supplied internet connection to over 16,000 families, and we are now assisting 10 additional families in obtaining internet access through Spectrum, ” Paty Sesma explained.
Michael Ward Jr, President and CEO of Austin Urban Technology Movement, was also present at City Hall for Austin’s Proclamation of Digital Inclusion Week. This event has a significant impact on AUTM by facilitating our work and expanding technology opportunities in the community. “Digital equity is required to foster innovation and growth in our society as technology and globalization advance. The bare minimum required to achieve such equity is affordable internet, reliable devices, and digital literacy,” stated Michael Ward Jr. It is because of initiatives like this one that we are able to change the lives of people like James Fladger, a military veteran who went from being homeless to becoming an AUTMite, completing a Google IT Support course, and recently receiving an offer from Intel to work as a Platform Technician. AUTM's core is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the tech industry.
Finally, AUTM hosted the third ReThink Austin 2021 Technology Session with great success. Our attendees enjoyed an impactful discussion on the importance of protecting your digital footprint, privacy, and personal data. As AUTM prepares for the fourth and final session of this year, ReThink Austin 2021 Community Impact, our panelists will highlight the need of connecting the Global Majority Entrepreneurs to today's technological opportunities. “We rethink the possibilities for success as a result of these events, and we will continue to reshape the tech ecosystem by upskilling and reskilling our community members,” announced Paty Sesma.
About Austin Urban Technology Movement:
Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTM) bridges the gap between the Black and Hispanic communities and the technology industry through job placement, career development, and networking opportunities. AUTM's vision is to increase the Global Majority working, developing, and using technology, while leading diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in the tech ecosystem.