📶 Let's talk about Digital Equity

AUTMHQ UPDATE

Hola and Hello,

Please allow me to start with one simple question: Could you imagine your life without Internet? I'm not talking about access to social media, but rather the ability to pay bills online, look up services or business addresses on Google, access crucial information, and, most importantly, work from home. Unfortunately, more than two million Texas households do not have to imagine it because they lack high-speed internet access. According to our research, the present barriers to providing homes with internet access are continuing patterns of housing discrimination and a lack of affordability. Back in 2020, Austin Urban Technology Movement, together with other organizations, started the Texas Technology for All nonpartisan petition to help low-income, underprivileged, and underrepresented communities. This campaign was created to provide these communities with internet access, connect them with technology devices (mobile hotspots and computers), and upskill and reskill these communities in order to transition into the technology industry (using tech, developing tech, and/or working in tech) and apply for technical and nontechnical jobs. Similar to this petition, The City of Austin announced a new mini-grant pathway, Grant for Technologies Opportunities Program (GTOPs), to assist smaller Austin NGOs working on a short-term program to promote digital inclusion. In fact, AUTMHQ is a proud recipient of this grant because it will provide scholarships for unlimited certifications to our program participants. Furthermore, Comcast Texas plans to spend more than $1 million to assist local nonprofit organizations with community programs based on connectivity solutions, workplace digital skill development, and entrepreneurship. You can read more here. But, as individuals, how can we advocate for digital equity? Well, in 2022, at AUTMHQ's ReThink Austin event, we launched the hashtag #itechtoo not only to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace but also to raise awareness about the existing digital divide, which is an obstacle for many professionals who are looking for better jobs or to further their education. We ask that you start using this hashtag on your resume, on your LinkedIn profile, and on your social media posts so that it reaches the leaders who can support this cause. Let's keep in mind that the Internet is no longer an amenity; it is a basic need in today's society.

Paty Sesma, #itechtoo Vice president of Marketing and Communications at AUTMHQ

TEXAS OPPORTUNITIES

📶 Your feedback is vital to understanding barriers to internet access, affordability, and adoption, to help close the digital divide.

Texas Digital Opportunity Plan: Public Survey

The State of Texas is designing solutions to ensure that all residents have access to high quality and affordable internet service, devices, skills training, and digital support. This 10-minute Digital Equity survey will gather information about your current experiences using the internet and should be completed by one individual per household. The survey is available in four languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. You can select the language of your choice from the top-right corner of this page. You can also choose to listen to each question (and its answer options, where applicable) in your chosen language by clicking on the audio button next to each question. 👉Access survey here

AUTMHQ EVENTS

💵 You can still attend in May! Part two of Your Financial Journey for Young Adults is looking at and reviewing credit.  We look at ways to build credit, explain credit score ranges, and how credit scores are broken down.  By the end of the class, the client should have a strong understanding of how credit works and how to be successful in building and using credit. Dates for Part 2:

• Tuesday, May 9, 2023 10:00 AM (Virtual)

• Saturday, May 13, 2023 12:00 PM (In person)

👉Select a date and RSVP!

TECH EVENTS

The Power of Black Girl Magic: Charting Your Career Presented By LinkedIn Ready to unleash your Black Girl Magic and take your career to the next level? Whether you're a seasoned sales or marketing pro, or just starting out in your career, our upcoming event, designed for Black professionals and allies looking to thrive in the tech space won’t disappoint you. We'll be talking about personal branding, sharing advice on how to network like a pro, and providing key insights on how to successfully manage your career path. In addition, you'll connect with amazing leaders who are breaking barriers and showing the world what Black excellence really means. So, mark your calendars for May 4, 2023, and join us for an exclusive BPTN Tech Talk presented by LinkedIn. Our panel of dynamic Black women, who've been there, done that and slayed it will share their personal stories, insights, and advice. 👉Register here

ATX EVENTS

Are you looking to build a billion-dollar tech business?

Join us at Black Women Talk Tech’s Roadmap to Billions 2023, the premier tech conference for founders, investors, professionals, and enthusiasts, taking place in Brooklyn, New York from May 18th to May 20th, 2023. Over three days, attendees will hear from top-tier speakers such as Arlan Hamilton, Bonin Bough, and Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins who will provide a roadmap to build and scale their tech business, as well as practical workshops and tools to help them succeed. The 7th annual conference kicks off with a welcome mixer and roller skating party, providing an opportunity to meet and connect with fellow founders. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and take your tech business to the next level. Register now for Roadmap to Billions 2023! Use our code AUTMHQ to save 30%! 👉RSVP here

TECH NEWS

Comcast Texas Commits More Than $1M to Shrink Local Digital Divide in 2023 The year-long investment will focus on supporting more than 60 local organizations and digital skills programs that will empower the lives of thousands of people. Comcast Texas, the Houston area's largest internet service provider, will commit more than $1 million to shrink the local digital divide this year by supporting more than 60 organizations and programs that help people connect to the Internet, learn digital skills, and climb the economic ladder. The investment is part of Comcast’s Project UP – a comprehensive $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity across the nation and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. 👉Read more