Annie Stroud leads the Generation WV Broadband program, leveraging her expertise in project management, economic development, and community building to expand broadband access in the state. Since 2020, her work has helped secure over $46 million in funding for broadband infrastructure and digital equity projects in West Virginia.

Annie collaborates with regional partners, funders, and government agencies to facilitate connections and provide technical assistance for broadband initiatives. Her efforts aim to create opportunities for young West Virginians to thrive.

Annie serves on the WV Digital Equity Steering Committee and WV Broadband Workforce Council. Outside of work, she enjoys playing old-time fiddle music and spending time with her partner, two children, and three dogs at their home near Morgantown, WV.

Digital Access Champion | Innovator | Presenter | Entrepreneur

Armando Cantu is a visionary leader devoted to bridging the digital divide and empowering underserved communities as the Founder and CEO of the CARDBoard Project (CBP). He has developed innovative solutions aimed at fostering self-sufficiency through technology and connectivity.

Key Achievements:
– Founded CARDBoard Project (2016) to address the digital needs of communities most impacted by the digital divide.
– Implemented Non-Degree Pathways to Success, providing access to devices, internet services, and digital fluency training.
– Enhanced CBP’s economic impact through strategic partnerships and outreach initiatives.
– Selected as an NDIA Connectivity Policy Corps Member (2025) to advocate for digital inclusion and broadband policy.
– Recognized as a Leadership Excellence Award Finalist by D CEO (2023).
– Engaged as a member of the Dallas Federal Reserve-Bank of Dallas Advanced Together Leadership Academy (2023).
– Honored with the Trusted World Innovation Award (2025) for contributions to technology access.

As a dedicated presenter and advocate, Armando actively collaborates with organizations and community leaders to drive systemic change and empower individuals for a more inclusive digital future.

As Kramden’s Executive Director, Cyndy harnesses the thought leadership and work of 24 full-time staff and a dozen part-time staff and interns. 2026 marks the start of her fourth year at Kramden, where she thrives on the creative energy and community focus of staff, partners, and volunteers. Cyndy was at U.S. EPA for 19 years, AECOM in transportation planning for 10 years, and NAAAP.org, a national leadership organization for 5 years.

Jacob Schwartz is the Program Manager for the Digital Equity Program at the Fortune Society, dedicated to empowering the justice-impacted community through digital skills training and access. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and has worked across diverse industries, including politics, technology education, municipal government with the NYC Department of Design and Construction, and even cruise ships. He also currently serves on the Fortune Society’s Policy Center Collective committee, the steering committee of the New York City Alliance for Digital Equity, and is Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee for the New York State Digital Equity Network, as he fights for broader systemic change.

Jamie Huber is the Director of Community Services at NOCAC, overseeing a broad portfolio that includes the Financial Opportunity Center, Emergency Services, and Homeless Programs. Jamie also leads the agency’s digital inclusion efforts, which began as a pilot Digital Navigation Program in 2021 and have since expanded to a team of two Digital Navigators serving six counties across Northwest Ohio.

Jamie has played a key role in developing strong community partnerships, implementing innovative outreach strategies, and supporting initiatives that reduce digital barriers for residents. Their work reflects a deep commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all individuals—especially seniors, rural households, and vulnerable populations—can fully participate in today’s digital world.

Jamie joins the Connectivity Policy Corps with a passion for equitable policy development, community-centered design, and practical solutions that improve digital opportunity for everyone.

Dr. John Schweitzer served in the USAF career as a Captain. He served as Wing Civil Engineering Executive Support Officer, 5th Air Force, Yokota, Japan from 1972-1974.

Following the Vietnam conflict, he received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1979 and established a rehabilitation engineering services program at Louisiana Tech University later that year. This program began with a dormitory for college students diagnosed with quadriplegia, post traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that severely limited mobility, sensory and cognitive processing, and other functional limitations. The support system included an FTA 5310 customized paratransit vehicle that could accommodate six passengers seated in powered wheelchairs to and-from the main campus in Ruston, LA. While an Assistant Professor at Louisiana Tech University he taught and conducted research and service programs in both the College of Education and Engineering. He later taught for 15 years as Adjunct Professor at Southern University Baton Rouge in the Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate program.

Dr. Schweitzer served as the Coordinator for the Assistive Technology Program for the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) from 2005 until 2022. He oversaw the assessment, evaluation, acquisition and training of assistive technology such as manual and powered wheelchairs and mobility systems, vehicle modifications for adaptive driving, home modifications for independence, job accommodations and prosthetics and orthotics.

During that time, he also coordinated with the Commissions for the Deaf and for Executive Director of Blind Services related to sensory aids, and augmentative communications for the State of Louisiana. He represented both the Louisiana Workforce Commission and Vocational Rehabilitation Services on the statewide DOTD transportation coordination reviews for the state’s application for FTA 5307, 5310, and 5311 funding for almost twenty years. During that time Dr. Schweitzer assisted the Fire Marshal’s office in reviewing applications for request for ADA accommodation appeals on building permit applications.

He has been a Master-level Rehabilitation Counselor, Rehabilitation Employment Development Specialist (REDS). He is a member of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) and the Louisiana Rehabilitation Association (LRA) and served on the Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN) advisory committee for nearly twenty years. From 2011 until 2022 he coordinated an innovative funding agreement between LWC Second Injury Board, Worker’s Compensation, and the delivery of rehabilitation services through the LRS program. He retired from public service in November 2022. He has consulted in research and development of a patented powered mobility system using universal design features and end-user engagement in the design and fabrication phase of this project

John owns a business to provide home modifications and related services to include assistive technology (AT), durable medical equipment (DME), and other mobility as needed. He works closely with individuals and/or their case managers to assist them with reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. His company is Ramp Up LLC.

As a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities Affairs (GACDA) he participated in the development of the State Digital Equity Plan (DEP) which is part of the current BEAD funding for Louisiana. His input was specifically related to the functional capacity needs for elderly & disabled. (more here)

Experienced Director of Information Technology with a demonstrated history of working in higher education and the utilities industry, Joy established the Alliance for Navajo Broadband, a nonprofit advocacy group, in 2022 on behalf of its members from Higher Education, Broadband service providers and various Navajo business-minded individuals and companies. After 45 years of technical experience and IT leadership on the Navajo Nation, Joy has a 360° view and understanding of Navajo telecommunications policy and digital literacy needs on the Navajo Nation.

Juanita Acosta is the Project Manager and Navigator Supervisor at El Centro Hispano in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she supports community-based programs across educational, social, legal, cultural, health, and civic engagement initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and supporting youth enrichment. She has contributed to the implementation of a Rural LISC–funded broadband and digital literacy initiative that connected hundreds of individuals to internet access, devices, and computer skills training. In her role, she oversees program coordination and organizational marketing, leading bilingual outreach and community education to ensure information and resources are accessible in a region with limited Spanish-language media.

Fluent in Spanish and English, Acosta brings firsthand experience working with families navigating barriers to connectivity, affordability, and access to information. She was recognized as Arkansas Community Health Worker of the Year in 2023 and brings a practical, community-informed perspective to the Connectivity Policy Corps.

Larisa is a curriculum and instructional designer for Adult Education and Literacy of Howard College in San Angelo, Texas. She also teaches and provides career navigation for adult ESL students at Howard College AEL, and acts as ESL Coordinator for her program. Larisa is a proud mother and grandmother and has been married to her husband Bryan for 37 years. Larisa is a fluent Spanish speaker, having learned Spanish as part of her college studies and missionary experience to South America. Larisa’s favorite part of her job is teaching and connecting with students, providing a safe space for them to learn and inspire each other.

Markalene Madera has been part of Spqni Broadband Services for more than four years, serving the Spokane Indian Reservation with a strong focus on connection, access, and opportunity. She believes broadband is a critical link to the future—supporting education, employment, telehealth, cultural knowledge, language preservation, and digital inclusion for the tribal community.

Driven by service and purpose, Markalene takes pride in helping residents navigate technology and access the tools they need to succeed. She also recognizes the important role connectivity plays in preserving and sharing tribal culture and language for future generations. Her work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the community today while helping build a more connected tomorrow.

Matt has been with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati since 2021, having worked in the social service and higher education sectors for 18 years. He is the Director of the Community Impact Program Management team and advancing initiatives rooted in economic stability and community well-being—supporting United Way’s housing security and financial empowerment focus areas. Matt can speak to how United Way remains responsive to families’ immediate needs while also supporting strategies and initiatives that promote long-term stability. Matt holds bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia.

With passion, talent, skill, and willingness, I am honored to inspire growth and provoke changes that inevitably lead to justice, advocacy, and support for those in need.

Quantika Lash is part of the Ashbury Senior Computer Center team, where she helps empower seniors with digital skills and build confidence through hands-on, community-focused learning. She’s passionate about making technology feel welcoming, fun, and accessible for everyone.

I have nearly 15 years of experience working as a Work Incentives Coordinator, helping individuals with disabilities utilize and manage Social Security work incentives. I previously served as manager for the Nebraska Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program and oversaw the implementation of Social Security’s Promoting Opportunity Demonstration (POD) in the Nebraska catchment area. I have provided extensive advocacy on behalf of individuals with Social Security overpayments and have been involved in legislative change for Nebraska’s Medicaid Buy-In program. I received a law degree from the Nebraska College of Law in 2005 and a Master’s degree in Social Work from University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2007. My previous experience includes working as an attorney in the areas of juvenile and family law. Currently, I have a strong interest in creating software programs that are user-friendly and meet user needs, and how AI technology can help maximize organization and efficiency.

Saira Galvan is the Director of the Empowerment Department at El Centro Inc., where she has served the community since 2019. She began her career with El Centro as a volunteer, driven by a deep commitment to community service and social equity.

In 2020, Saira became a Promotoras Educator, where she focused on empowering community leaders—primarily women—by providing education on social services such as SNAP and Medicaid, and by training them to deliver Healthy Eating classes and other community-based initiatives. Her leadership and dedication led to her promotion to Promotoras Coordinator in 2023.

In 2024, Saira was promoted to Director of Empowerment, a vital role within the agency. In this position, she oversees the overall functioning of the Empowerment Program, including Economic Empowerment, Promotoras, and Advocacy, ensuring these programs continue to strengthen and uplift the communities El Centro serves.

Skye Downing serves as the Deputy Director of digitalLIFT (formerly Community Tech Network), where she provides strategic leadership across capacity-building initiatives, direct service programs, people operations, as well as partnership and funds development. With nearly 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for historically under-resourced communities, with a particular focus on adult and community-based education over the past decade.

Ms. Downing is deeply committed to fostering equitable, culturally proficient programming and delivering exceptional service that is accessible to all. She is a certified grant writer and a former nonprofit board director, bringing expertise in restorative practices, social justice, volunteer management, forensic data analysis, systems administration, multilingual curriculum development, and comprehensive program management—from planning and development to implementation, evaluation, and reporting.

Tomekia Moore serves as the Executive Director of Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association (ACAAA), where she leads statewide efforts to address poverty, build organizational capacity, and advocate for low-income to moderate-income Arkansans. Since stepping into this role in 2023, she has focused on advancing results-oriented initiatives, engaging policymakers at the state and federal levels, and amplifying the voice of Community Action across Arkansas.

Tomekia played a pivotal role in securing a $600,000 capacity-building grant in partnership with the University of the Ozarks, launching a groundbreaking initiative to work alongside churches to drive community-level change. This initiative integrates a statewide approach to food and nutrition insecurity, with a particular focus on underserved and rural communities. She also leads the Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Initiative, a coordinated, multi-sector strategy addressing the complex and interconnected drivers of poverty through regional taskforces and collective impact frameworks.

A champion for leadership development, Tomekia initiated the ACAAA Leadership Academy, which equips emerging and current leaders across Arkansas with the skills, confidence, and tools to thrive in their roles and better serve their communities.

Her journey with ACAAA began in 2022 as the Director of Professional Development, where she created and delivered training opportunities to strengthen the statewide Community Action Network. Her background also includes frontline and community-centered roles as Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club of McGehee and as a Head Start teacher with Community Service Offices, giving her a firsthand understanding of the programs and people she now leads.

Tomekia holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service, where she was selected by her peers to serve as the student graduation speaker. She is a Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer, Certified Family Development Instructor, and Certified Group Facilitator. She was recently recognized in Marquis Who’s Who in America for her professional accomplishments and civic impact.

Her deep commitment to children and families is reflected in her service across numerous boards and coalitions, including:
• Steering Committee Member, Arkansas Kids Coalition (Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families)
• Steering Committee Member for Economic Justice, Citizens for Congress
• Collaborator, Excel by 8
• Co-Chair, Bank On Arkansas
• Member, State of Arkansas Weatherization Policy Advisory Council
• Member, Business Diversity Committee, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Finance and Advocacy Committees, Junior League of Little Rock

Tomekia is a respected thought leader, advocate, and connector, dedicated to building systems that empower communities and ensure that all Arkansans have a fair opportunity to thrive.

Yvette P. Brooks is a community leader and advocate dedicated to bridging the digital divide in Western North Carolina. After earning a BA in Psychology from Arizona State University and building a career in higher education, Yvette shifted her focus to family, fostering and later adopting her youngest child. She and her husband traveled North America by RV with her husband and four children and realized that she wanted to live a more intentional life. After reflecting on what matters she settled in Brevard in 2017. There she managed the Family Resource Center at SAFE before founding Through the Trees in 2020 to help families access the internet and devices during the pandemic. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into a vital community resource and was recently named Nonprofit of the Year by the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce. A past President of the Brevard Rotary Club, Yvette is recognized for her collaborative spirit, problem-solving skills, and unwavering commitment to service.