In the third episode of Internet Changemakers, hosts Claire van Zwieten and Noha Ashraf AbdelBaky explore the human stories and technical realities of Internet connectivity with guests Cedrick Mbeyet and Lito Ibarra, often called the “father of the Internet in El Salvador.” Together, they unpack what it really means to be connected—not just as a technological achievement, but as a social and cultural milestone. The discussion spotlights the persistent global challenge of unequal access. For millions, getting online remains a daily struggle—one shaped by geography, economics, and policy. Yet, as Cedrick reminds us, connectivity is more than infrastructure: “Moving from the source to the destination includes so many things that we don’t take into consideration.”

This episode clearly shows how innovation, collaboration, and resilience are helping bridge the digital divide and why connectivity must be seen not only as a technical resource but also as a driver of inclusion, opportunity, and community empowerment.

In the second episode of Internet Changemakers, hosts Yug Desai and Claire van Zwieten are joined by Alan Ramírez García and Everton Teles Rodrigues, prominent representatives of the Latin American internet community and alumni of the Internet Society Mid-career Fellowship (2023). Alan and Everton share their earliest memories of discovering the internet in the 1990s, reflecting on how their initial curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge defined their online journeys.

The conversation delves into the complexities of the internet ecosystem, exploring who “runs” the internet and the vital roles played by a range of stakeholders—from governments and the private sector to civil society and the technical community. Both guests emphasize the importance of the multi-stakeholder model in creating a dynamic and resilient internet that serves users worldwide.

The episode highlights the essential work required to preserve a trustworthy and globally connected internet in the face of new challenges. Key topics include the emergence and significance of national and regional Internet Governance Forums (IGFs), particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as ongoing efforts to address local challenges, such as rural connectivity. Everton explains the historical and evolving role of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in managing internet resources. At the same time, Alan shares insights into the IGF’s multi-stakeholder Advisory Group and its consensus-driven processes.

This episode also examines the Internet Society’s impact, providing technical leadership, advocating for an open and secure internet, supporting community networks, and empowering professionals through educational programs, such as the Mid-Career Fellowship. 

To support us, see: https://donate.internetsociety.org/?form=essential

And for learning, visit https://www.internetsociety.org/learning/

References:

ICANN
Internet Engineering Task Force
ISOC Mid-career Fellowship Program
United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 

In the first episode of Internet Changemakers, hosts Noha Ashraf AbdelBaky and Claire van Zwieten welcome Dr. Vinton Cerf, often referred to as one of the fathers of the Internet, to discuss his groundbreaking contributions to the creation of the TCP/IP protocol and the early days of Internet development. Dr. Cerf shares his favorite uses of the internet, recalling the first email he sent and the origins of networked email. He also delves into the design choices behind TCP/IP and the vision for the Internet as a tool for command and control, collaboration, and connecting powerful systems.

The conversation explores the evolution of the Internet, challenges it faces today, including security and accountability, and the promising growth of AI and the interplanetary Internet. Dr. Cerf emphasizes the importance of openness, interoperability, and teamwork in the Internet's development, while reflecting on the Internet Society's role in fostering a global community around Internet governance. This episode serves as a foundation for understanding the Internet's history and its transformative impact on society.

To Support us see: https://donate.internetsociety.org/?form=essential

And for learning, visit https://www.internetsociety.org/learning/

Welcome to Internet Changemakers, a podcast by the Internet Society Alumni Network.

From the days of dial-up to the rise of AI, the Internet has transformed how we live, work, and connect — but who’s driving that change? And what challenges lie ahead?

Meet your hosts: Claire van Zwieten, Alumni Specialist at the Internet Society; Yug Desai, a PhD candidate, and Internet Society alumnus; and Noha Ashraf Abdel Baky, an IT professional and Internet Society alumna.

Together, they introduce a new podcast exploring the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the Internet — past, present, and future.

In each episode, you'll hear from pioneers, innovators, and leaders tackling key issues like online privacy, the digital divide, and how to make the Internet safer, more inclusive, and accessible to all.

📅 The first episode drops June 23, 2025, featuring none other than Dr. Vint Cerf, one of the founding fathers of the Internet.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a professional in the field, or just curious about how the Internet impacts your life, this podcast is for you.

Subscribe now to Internet Changemakers and join the conversation about shaping the future of the Internet.