County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Comcast Kick Off Miami-Dade’s Inaugural Digital Community Inclusion Event
Accessing affordable and reliable Internet took centerstage at Oak Grove Park in Miami. Team UP Volunteers recently joined forces with local leaders to host the inaugural Miami-Dade County’s Digital Inclusion Community Event, with a goal of shrinking the digital divide by bringing vital resources directly to neighborhoods. The program gathered more than 15 important community resources to one single place, making it easy for people to connect in person.
The event, co-sponsored by Comcast, brought together the public and private sectors to help community members with Internet access, digital literacy and workforce opportunities.
Organizers called on Team UP volunteers like Joe Manser to help staff the event. Team UP is an always-on, 365-days-a-year effort by Comcast to provide employees opportunities to get more involved in their community. Manser is a Comcast Business Technician who led “Talk to a Tech.” He quickly became a family favorite. Manser happily fielded questions about connectivity, device usage and technology. With almost two decades of experience, Manser is a seasoned professional. He said events like the Miami-Dade one are needed now more than ever in communities.
“It is super important,” said Manser. “There are a lot of low to middle class families that don’t have the access or the know-how of basic Internet access. Everyone needs it and everyone should have it.”
Marguerite Thompson, a Comcast Community Account Manager, was another Team UP volunteer in attendance. She described her experience as rewarding, saying she loves to see the smiles on people’s faces when they get the assistance they need. Thompson served as ambassador of digital opportunity throughout the event. She educated families about Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and helped families sign up for service.
Internet Essentials is one of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to shrink the digital divide, providing affordable Internet. Since Internet Essentials’ inception, the program has connected over 600,000 low-income households to fast, reliable Internet in Miami Dade County.
County leaders thanked Comcast at the event for the technology company’s ongoing efforts to provide digital opportunity for families across Florida. Team UP volunteer and Comcast Enterprise Direct Sales Account Executive, Sabrina Moore, said she was reminded why she loves working for Comcast.
“A highlight of the event for me was the special recognition from Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner, Marleine Bastien. As a Comcast employee, I was very proud to hear them both thank Comcast for our continued partnership and contributions over the years,” said Moore. “It was also so extraordinary to see so much cross-collaboration for a common goal in action. I loved it!”
Cristina Arana, a new Comcast employee, also participated in the inaugural Digital Inclusion Community Event. Arana wore many hats as a volunteer, but her most important role was helping families connect with vital information in their own language. She said she’s passionate about community service.
“I got a firsthand look at how Comcast makes a real difference in our communities and how it encourages its employees to get involved, said Arana. “I find it very inspiring.”
Comcast’s commitment to Miami-Dade extends far and wide. Since 2010, the company has contributed over $36 million in cash and in-kind donations to different non-profit organizations, initiatives, community events and sponsorships throughout the county.
