Compudopt is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to provide technology access and education to under-resourced youth and their communities. We are excited to host the Digital Connections Symposium to bring together government, private enterprise, and community organizations for an open conversation about solving the digital divide in Atlanta.

• 8:30-9:00 am - Networking (Coffee and Tea provided)
  
  
• 9:00-9:20 am - Welcome - Allison Katarski, COO, Compudopt
  
  
• 9:20-9:45 am - Keynote - Oneisha Freeman, Digital Connectivity Manager, Georgia Technology Authority
  
  
• 9:45-10:30 am - Community Panel: What are the needs today in the community related to technology access, what's being done, and what opportunities for partnership are available
  
  
• 10:30 - 10:45 am - Networking Break
  
  
• 10:45-11:30 am - Solutions Panel: What options are available to close the gap, how to build successful partnerships that engage the community, and who needs to be at the table
  
  
• 11:30-11:45 am - 2nd Keynote - José Alvarez, Regional Administrator IV,
  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  
  
• 11:45-12:00 pm - Closing Remarks and the Path Forward - Allison Katarski, COO, Compudopt
  

This convening will explore the digital equity landscape and offer proposed solutions and innovative approaches to device access, broadband deployment, and digital skill building. Anchor institutions will describe the needs of the community while discussing opportunities to increase adoption rates, leverage federal funding, and create impact-driven partnerships.

Allison Katarski | Chief Operations Officer, Compudopt

Allison has nearly 25 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector focused on, youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.  

Prior to Compudopt, she was the Vice President managing Marketing and Membership for a nonprofit with an annual operating budget over $100M.

Her operational experience includes the development and implementation of a 20+ person team serving over 5,000 individuals per month which improved constituent relationships leading to higher retention and satisfaction rates.

While at Compudopt she has led the implementation of a new national inventory management system, communications platform, and improved our regulatory and compliance processes.

Michael Abensour | Chief Information Officer, Compudopt

For more than two decades, Michael has worked in the political and non-profit world as an advocate, policy expert, and organizational head. His earliest political experience was as a campaign manager/consultant for local and state races, allowing him to see first-hand the power of grassroots activism.

He transitioned into a policy-based role, advocating on a host of issues for the province of Quebec ranging from energy, transportation, to border security and more. His time with the Quebec office in DC honed his advocacy and lobbying skills, from initial policy formulation to coalition building and devising legislative strategy.

As the CIO of Compudopt, Michael is focused on stressing the power of technology to help disadvantaged communities cross the digital divide. By forging new community partnerships, enlisting corporate champions and legislative advances, Michael is using his political toolbox to provide digital equity to under-resourced youth and their communities. 

José Alvarez | Regional Administrator IV, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

In 2012, Alvarez was elected to the Kissimmee City Commission where he championed diversified economic growth, affordable housing and homelessness initiatives, sustainable environmental policies, and fair labor practices. In 2016, he was elected to serve as City of Kissimmee Mayor, becoming the city’s first Hispanic Mayor. Over the years, Alvarez has served numerous causes, boards, and committees throughout Osceola County. From multi-million-dollar endeavors to life-changing initiatives, through his various board memberships and affiliations, Alvarez has been responsible for advising CEOs and lawmakers, contributing to strategic plans, approving budgets and business decisions, evaluating management, and representing his charge to stakeholders. Alvarez’ true passion is the people he represents.

Christopher Butts | Educator

At the age of thirty-six, Christopher has managed to obtain an undergraduate degree in Social Science and a Masters Degree in Leadership. He has a background in special education, and currently serves as a teacher for English Learners. Chris has also served at Mount Paran Church of God as a youth mentor for the special needs family ministry. Having a background in coaching lacrosse and education, it put Chris in a position to contribute to the lives of high school seniors.

After the death of his brother Calvin Butts in 2009, his family started a scholarship fund in his honor. They have given out over sixty scholarships in New York and recently expanded to Atlanta in 2019, where they have raised over 10K and have given out more than 14 scholarships nationwide. The scholarship has been transformed into a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to honor Calvin’s legacy through primary, secondary and post secondary education by providing mentorship, enrichment programs, activities, and support for underserved youth nationwide.

Carlyn Burton | Compudopt Board Member & Partner at OBWB

Carlyn Burton is a current and founding board member and past board chair of Compudopt. In her 15-year involvement with Compudopt, Carlyn has been a part of Compudopt’s exceptional growth as the organization has responded to the community need and expanded their service offerings in their mission to solve the digital divide. 

In the first few years after Compudopt’s formation, Carlyn was one of the primary individuals who delivered Compudopt’s initial educational programming as part of their computer distributions.  As Compudopt has evolved, her role on the board has also evolved, to include legal support governance changes to the organization as it has expanded nationally.

Carlyn also brings the lens of educational system partners to her work with Compudopt, having served on the boards of the Houston Community College Foundation and the William B. Travis Foundation (a foundation supporting an elementary school in Houston ISD).

Oneisha Freeman | Digital Connectivity Manager, Georgia Technology Authority

Oneisha Freeman is a respected leader in the field of digital inclusion, with over two decades of experience in the technology industry. As the Digital Connectivity Manager at the Georgia Technology Authority, she is responsible for spearheading efforts to ensure equitable access to internet and technology throughout the state of Georgia.

Oneisha's career in technology began in 1998 as a Technical Support Analyst in the fintech industry. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to promote digital inclusion through various nonprofit organizations, where she developed programs and built partnerships that helped community members build their technology skills, gain access to devices, and connect to the internet.

Richard Hicks | Chief Executive Officer, Inspiredu

Dynamic and motivated professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, designing educational strategies, and coaching individuals to success.
Skilled in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, and making critical decisions during challenges.

Adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, creating effective presentations, and developing opportunities that further establish organizational goals.

Munirih Santiago Jester | Programs Manager, NDIA

Munirih joined the NDIA team in summer 2021. has extensive experience in the field of digital inclusion. For the past 6 years, she has played a leadership role in planning, implementing, expanding, and evaluating digital inclusion efforts in relation to training, devices, connectivity, as well as coalition work. Munirih has worked with local and federal government agencies, nonprofits, and housing authorities to help coordinate and expand digital inclusion awareness, program, policy, planning, and research.

Munirih has served in various roles such as NTEN fellow, Federal Reserve Bank research intern, ConnectHome coordinator, housing policy and data coordinator, and coalition chair. Munirih has an educational background in public policy, nonprofit management, and urban and regional planning and was awarded the national Digital Equity Champion award in 2019.

Jill Moore | Group Vice President, YMCA Of Metro Atlanta

Lead with an unmatched energy and positive attitude, building working relationships that maximize potential and facilitate achievement of shared objectives. Demonstrate contagious enthusiasm and a willingness to do “whatever it takes” to surpass benchmarks, coaching employees and volunteers to share the same resolve. Leverage human resources background to establish solid, compliant organizations with strong employee relations. Possess SPHR, MBTI, DDI, & Six Sigma certifications.

Alvaro Sanchez | Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Alvaro Sánchez joined the Community and Economic Development Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as a research analyst in January 2022. He contributes quantitative and qualitative research focused on benefits cliffs and broadband access. Previously, Sánchez was an analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Before joining the Federal Reserve System, Sánchez completed a graduate program at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a public policy fellow in the Office of the Council President with Philadelphia City Council, providing research for city initiatives relating to housing affordability and student debt. Previously, he was a research intern at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, an early education policy fellow with the Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, and a public policy and analysis intern with the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia.

Sánchez has an M.S. in social policy from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in psychology from Temple University.

Bernie Vaysenberg | Sr. Sales Executive - Private LTE/5G - NITRO, Motorola Inc.

A dynamic professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing sales teams, and strategizing company’s sales objectives at scale. Skilled in bringing cross-functional teams together,
communication, and making critical decisions during challenges. An adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently, speak at a technically high level, and develop opportunities that further establish organizational goals.