It was a day like no other for more than 150 students as they joined in on Comcast NBCUniversal’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Under the theme ‘Celebrating All That We Are,’ Florida’s tech leader joined forces with Telemundo, DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures and Xfinity for a fun and empowering agenda including a forum with company leaders, an exclusive look inside the making of animated film, The Wild Robot, and two big surprises.
Students from Florida International University’s TRIO Program arrived bright and early at Telemundo’s state-of-the-art center in Doral, Florida. Part of the Council in Opportunity in Education, TRIO Programs work to enable low-income, first-generation college students to stay in school until they earn their bachelor’s degree. The young men and women attended a series of learning sessions and had the opportunity to engage with several Latino leaders throughout the day.
Later, Comcast EVP of Public Policy and EVP of Digital Equity, Broderick Johnson came on stage for a surprise announcement welcoming award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, who voices ‘Roz’ – the main, robotic character in the movie. On behalf of Comcast, Johnson and Nyong’o announced every student would receive a free laptop to help them in their educational journey.
“A personal laptop is life-changing for many who have met barriers to accessing the Internet,” said Johnson. “Once you’re online, the doors to opportunities are endless. For young people like our guests from FIU, a laptop is helping them build a strong foundation for their future.”
Fabiola Navarrete, originally from Honduras, was one of the recipients of a new laptop. She is pursuing a criminal justice degree at FIU. She’s a first-generation college student who was overwhelmed with gratitude and became tearful thinking of the opportunity ahead of her. She described the laptop as a much-needed device.
“I did not think people like this existed,” said Navarrete. “I have had to struggle a lot to be where I am now. I did not even have internet or a computer for a long time, so I am very grateful and blessed to be here today. This is going to have a big impact on me.”
This investment is part of Comcast’s Project UP, a $1 billion commitment that aims to reach millions of people with the opportunities, technology and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital society. In Miami-Dade County alone, the company has made over $36 million in cash and in-kind contributions since 2010.
Jeff Buzzelli, Senior VP for Comcast’s Florida Region, also attended the celebration. He said he’s proud to see the company give back often and to witness the students’ reactions.
“Comcast touches so many lives throughout Florida,” said Buzzelli. “It’s incredible to be in the room and see what we can achieve when we come together as a company. I’m happy we could play a small part by supporting these students with laptops and helping them chase their dreams. It’s clear. Their future is bright.”
Johnson and Nyong’o made one more stop at the Dolphin Mall for another surprise announcement. Comcast teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to treat 120 children with a private screening of Wild Robot. At the conclusion of the movie, Johnson once again invited Nyong’o to join the unsuspecting crowd. They announced every child would receive a paper copy of the Wild Robot book along with a laptop to help them in their studies. The children cheered with excitement.
Alex Rodriguez-Roig is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s President. He came to the Wild Robot screening and saw the surprise firsthand. He thanked Comcast for the support.
“This incredible contribution is more than just a gift of technology; it is an investment in the future of our youth,” said Rodriguez-Roig. “The excitement on the kids’ faces was undeniable as they realized the doors this gift is opening for them. You are empowering our youth by providing access to essential technology, education, and skills, helping shape the future of the next generation.”
The festivities continued throughout the evening with a community celebration open to the public. Xfinity transformed the Dolphin Mall’s VIVO! Plaza into an enchanting world of Wild Robot, complete with creative crafts, fun games, live music, and experiential product demos like NOW TV Latino.
