Full circle for me on the "equity issue of our moment" & essential local infrastructure

Access to the internet is what U.S. Secretary of Education Migeul Cardona recently called , the "equity issue of our moment." I would agree, but for me and most others, this moment began long, long ago. Back in 2000, I started in tech, not through some Silicon Valley startup, but by marketing a telehealth program in rural Illinois, where my dad worked. The challenge wasn’t convincing people to use the internet for health; it was that many couldn’t even access it. Fast forward to today, and I’m working with Euna Grants (once known as eCivis), alongside essential local government leadership from the National League of Cities , U.S. Conference of Mayors , and Bloomberg Philanthropies, aiming to bridge this very gap through the Local Infrastructure Hub . It’s a full-circle moment that’s both gratifying and motivating.

With the recent announcement of the BEAD program , earmarking $45 billion for broadband expansion , we’re not just talking about upgrading infrastructure; we’re talking about leveling the playing field for communities across the U.S. This initiative stands to radically shift how people access information, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Our role at Euna Grants, in collaboration with leading urban and community organizations, is to ensure these opportunities aren’t lost in translation. We’re here to make the process of accessing and utilizing these funds as straightforward as possible, ensuring that the communities that need it most can take full advantage.

This journey, from the early days of telehealth to the forefront of digital grant-making, reflects a broader evolution in how we approach technology's role in society. It's a progression from viewing the internet as a luxury to recognizing it as a fundamental right, essential for full participation in modern life.

The work we're doing now with Euna Grants and the Local Infrastructure Hub isn't just about managing grants; it's about unlocking potential, one internet connection at a time. It's a mission that harks back to those early days in Illinois, driven by the belief that access to information is the cornerstone of progress. As we look ahead, the goal is clear: to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age.