Join One Economy on January 28 for the 2009 Pacific Northwest Digital Inclusion Summit. In partnership with the City of Seattle and Communities Connect Network (CCN) the Pacific Northwest Digital Inclusion Summit will explore what Digital Inclusion means in the 21st century, specifically during this time of unprecedented change in our nation’s history, and extreme economic conditions.

The ultimate hope of the Summit is to learn from one another about the successes and obstacles faced in the future of Digital Inclusion in order to engender a sustainable social and political movement. Also, to take an in-depth look at the political initiatives in Washington around technology and broadband access and action oriented guidance on what can be done to change and influence policy.

Rey Ramsey, CEO of One Economy, will present a powerful keynote address on digital inclusion in troubled times. He will then moderate a forum that will explore the issues of technology and the economy, which will include influential members of the education, workforce, technology, youth, international, philanthropic, and non-profit communities. Some of the topics that will be discussed in the afternoon breakout sessions will be: ways of inspiring and engaging our nation’s youth in technology, what we can do to motivate our future workforce through technology, and technology from a policy level, empowering you to take civic action in your communities to make Digital Inclusion a top priority for your legislators and policy-makers.

On December 17, 2008, the Mayor and City Council appointed four new members, and reappointed another to the Citizens’ Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB). The 2009 appointees are Karen Manuel, Stuart Maxwell, Joann Reiter, Ted Schmitt, Fran Clifton and Thomas Kee.

Karen Manuel has ten years’ experience working in programs that provide access to technology and technology training for under-represented and disadvantaged youth and adults. She is currently the Director of TechREACH, a non-profit which is serving more than 250 students, adults, and teachers in low-income communities. As part of her duties, she has experience lobbying at the state level for increased funding to support community technology. Ms. Manuel holds a B.A. from Carleton College and an M.A.Ed. from Seattle University, focusing on program evaluation.

Stuart Maxwell offers a fresh perspective and collaborative approach to CTTAB. He has been very active in social networking and connecting people through new technologies, which will further the board’s podcasting and other technologies aimed at increasing transparency and outreach of the board. His experience will also help CTTAB’s efforts at expanding e-democracy. He is technical communications manager at Herrera Environmental Consultants, where he manages web sites and GIS. Mr. Maxwell holds a BFA in Theater Arts from East Carolina University.

Joann Reiter has 20 years of management and executive experience working with small businesses. She most recently held a position as senior vice president and general counsel for a local Seattle network appliance company. Ms. Reiter holds a B.S. in biology from Eastern Washington University and a J.D. from the University of Washington.

Ted Schmitt has an extensive background in science and technology, with more than 15 years of IT development experience and most recently as a program officer at the National Academies of Science. Mr. Schmitt holds a B.S. in electrical engineering, B.A. in German from Purdue University and a Master of Arts in international science and technology policy from George Washington University.

Fran Clifton is presently the technical support manager for Seattle Public Schools. Fran is currently on the Technology Matching Fund and My Neighborhood Map CTTAB Committee. Ms. Clifton holds a B.A. in history from Pacific Lutheran University and a M.A. in history from Washington State University.

Thomas Kee has 20 years of experience in the computer hardware, software, and network support industry. He is currently on the Wi-Fi and Puget Sound-Off CTTAB Committee. Mr. Kee holds a B.S. in physical science, computer engineering from Washington State University.

CTTAB is composed of 16 members serving two-year terms each; eight are appointed by the Mayor and seven by City Council. Thirteen members are at-large, with one representative each from education and public access, and one member from Get Engaged. If you have any questions regarding appointments or CTTAB in general, please call Jill Novik at (206) 684-8583.