Digital equity goes far beyond internet access. It touches people, trust, language, and the systems that shape opportunity. In this episode of Digital Access Discoveries, Cook County’s inaugural Director of Digital Equity, Kyla Williams Tate, shares how digital inclusion works best when it is treated as a living ecosystem. She explores the role of storytelling, small but strategic investments, trust-building, and designing programs with dignity at the center. The conversation also looks at AI, digital literacy, and the human infrastructure needed to support communities. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on building digital equity that lasts and truly serves people.

Timestamps 

• 00:00 Welcome and framing digital equity as a living ecosystem
• 01:44 Cook County’s approach to digital equity and systems-level impact
• 04:01 Storytelling, small investments, and community-centered success
• 06:12 Why definitions of digital access, inclusion, and equity matter
• 09:09 Engaging stakeholders through trust, collaboration, and shared value
• 12:18 Lessons from the Affordable Connectivity Program and trust challenges
• 15:21 Digital equity initiatives that are working and scaling impact
• 18:33 Building trust through dignity, confidence, and digital literacy
• 22:32 Preparing communities for AI with ethics, literacy, and human support

Links to Learn More 

• Kyla Williams Tate LinkedIn
• Webinar Link
• Cook County Digital Equity Action Plan
• Cook County Digital Equity Map
• Cook County Digital Equity Impact Small Grants Program
• Cook County Digital Equity Website

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Kyla Williams Tate LinkedIn

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey