A stormy Saturday couldn’t wash out the fun at the Future-Ready Fair. Community leaders, nonprofit partners and enthusiastic participants pivoted the event inside at the JL (Joe) And Enid W. Demps Park Community Center when rain drenched the track. Comcast teamed up with Miami-Dade County including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to make the day possible.
Take a look at everything that went down at this year’s Future Ready Fair 👇🏼
The fair gathered organizations from across South Florida to bring free resources, skills and digital opportunities to the area near Culter Bay, Goulds, and Palmetto Bay. Hundreds turned out for the festivities. The purpose was to empower families to succeed in today’s connected world.
The need to shrink the digital divide in Miami-Dade County is still present. U.S. Census Bureau data reveals almost 5% of the county’s population doesn’t have a computer at home, and more than 15% don’t have a broadband connection in their residence. As part of Project UP, Comcast is working to expand digital access which is why the technology leader teamed up with four trusted organizations for a special device donation. Comcast gifted 100 laptops to those groups who work with families in need of the computers.
Maria Duran is originally from Mexico. She was one of the 100 families who received a brand-new laptop. Filled with joy, Duran explained how beneficial the device will be for her as a single mother of three, especially for her oldest teenage son.
“This is going to have a big impact on me and my kids,” said Duran. “This laptop will give us an advantage as a family. Whether it’s for my kids’ school projects or for me to be more efficient with my time as a working mother, our lives are going to be easier and better because of this gift.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava witnessed the giveaway firsthand. She thanked Comcast for its contributions and continued investment in the community.
“The Future-Ready Community Fair is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together for the common good,” added Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “With more than 30 County departments and community organizations on-site, we were able to deliver services that will transform lives and bridge the digital divide. I am committed to ensuring that every resident has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, so no one is left behind. When we work together to connect our community, we all benefit in a shared purpose to uplift everyone.”
Jeff Buzzelli leads Comcast’s Florida Region. He spoke about the digital divide and the importance of being able to participate in today’s connected world.
“Having internet access is crucial,” said Buzzelli. “Every family in the county needs to be connected to a fast and reliable broadband service because that is the only way to have a chance of being successful in our digital economy.”
Other leaders in attendance included Miami-Dade County Commissioners Danielle Cohen Higgins and Kionne L. McGhee, Miami-Dade County’s Chief Information Officer Margaret Brisbane, Miami-Dade County’s Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer Francesca de Quesada Covey, District 9 School Board member Luisa Santos, CareerSource South Florida Director Rick Beasley, Comcast NBCUniversal’s Beau Ferrari and Comcast Florida VP of Government Affairs Michelle Oyola McGovern.
The nonprofit organizations selected for the laptops included Be Strong, Branches, Mexican American Counsil (MAC), and Senior Planet. They each chose 25 families or individuals from their various programs in need of digital resources. An additional 50 laptops will also be donated to Centro Campesino.
Isabelle Pike is with Branches, an organization working to provide life-changing opportunities to hardworking families and their children to help them break the cycle of generational poverty. Pike stressed the vital role these devices can play in a person’s life.
“In today’s world, this is an invaluable gift that will have a huge impact on our students, and their families,” said Pike. “Thank you to Comcast NBCUniversal for ensuring that everyone has access to essential technology.”
MAC’s CEO Eddie Garza was also present at the community event. He highlighted the importance of joint efforts between the private and public sectors to truly make a difference in the community.
“It made me so happy to see the faces of our MAC youth and parents light up when they received their new devices.” said Garza. “It’s so uplifting and inspiring to see the private sector getting involved. I am very grateful for the valuable partnership that we have formed with Comcast, and I look forward to the many incredible things we will do together for my Mexican community here in Miami-Dade. ¡Si se puede!”
More than 30 tech-driven resources and 10 county departments participated in the Future-Ready Fair.
As the device distribution came to a close and the community scattered to inquire about the resources available at the Future Ready Fair, Maria Duran thanked Comcast for this thoughtful gesture.
“You have given us hope and options that were previously limited to me and my family,” said Duran.
