The Power of Connectivity: How Internet Innovators are Closing the Digital Divide

As COVID-19 brought the urgent need for rapid and comprehensive connectivity solutions to the fore. In response, inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other innovators from public and private sectors collaborated to rapidly develop technology and strategic partnerships for universal, affordable broadband internet access. During the next Connecting California event, a panel of bold, pragmatic experts will share their work and learnings from building solutions that can close the divide for all students, educators, and families.

In August 2020, the Michelson 20MM Foundation launched its Connecting California learning series, which convenes the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. Connecting California seeks to strengthen collective understanding of the history and root causes of the “digital divides”–the economic and educational gaps created by inequitable access to high-speed internet, computing devices, and digital literacy resources. Featuring business leaders, digital equity practitioners, philanthropic investors, and policymakers, Connecting California provides a forum that speaks to different facets of the complex landscape for building digital equity solutions at national, state and local levels.

Speakers:
DR. GARY MICHELSON
Founder, Michelson 20MM Foundation

CONGRESSMAN JERRY MCNERNEY
U.S. Representative for California’s 9th Congressional District

SETH HOEDL
President & Chief Science Officer, Post Road Foundation

JOANNE HOVIS
CEO, Coalition for Local Internet Choice; President, CTC Technology and Energy

BRUCE PATTERSON
Director of Technology, Entry Point Networks

PRESTON RHEA
Director of Engineering, Policy Program, Monkeybrains

Moderator: CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL
Director Community Broadband Networks Initiative, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Connecting California is brought to you by Alya and Gary Michelson, the Michelson 20MM Foundation, and Michelson Philanthropies.

Special Thanks to our Foundation Partners:
- California Community Foundation
- Southern California Grantmakers
- Angell Foundation