About The Program
Connect Across Tacoma’s Digital Stewards program trains neighborhood leaders in the technical and community organizing skills necessary to create and maintain critical Internet networks and create thriving digital futures for their communities. This includes training in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, internet infrastructure, technology skills, collaborative research, fund development, outreach, mutual aid, and community organizing. Our Digital Stewards also train in emergency response and preparedness (mental health first aid, CPR) so they can help their communities build their own solutions in a variety of circumstances.
Once the Digital Stewards training program is complete, participants will be eligible to apply for a paid position to facilitate and train others on the design, construction of a wireless network within their community.
PARTNER
WITH US
JOIN OUR TEAM
Who Leads
Connect Across Tacoma
Black Brilliance Research Project
Black queer-led community research collaborative at the forefront of digital justice.
BBR envisions a future where every community is thriving.
Where every community are the creators of their own futures. Where every community is directing resources and support to what they need to be happy, healthy, and thriving.
BBR envisions a world free of injustice, where safety, health, and opportunity are not just ideals but tangible realities for every person.
Dr. Shaun Glaze (They/Them)
Research Director & CEO Black Brilliance Research
Dr. Glaze is the research director at Black Brilliance Research Project (BBR). Their journey is marked by a deep commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where diverse voices are not only heard but actively shape the future.
Shaun's teams have collectively launched dozens of projects, including innovative digital literacy solutions, designed participatory budgeting processes, led multi-state digital equity fellowships, and implemented workforce development programs.
Informed by the work of the Detroit Community Technology Project, BBR is proud to train teams to build internet infrastructure and public interest technology, conduct participatory action research, organize their community, and fund their digital futures.
Shaun holds a PhD from Boston College, MS from UMass Boston, and BA from The University of Texas at Austin.
Christopher Webb (He/Him)
Internet Access and Digital Equity Research Team Lead
Chris is Co-PI and Senior Personnel on several federally funded research grants, including National Science Foundation and National Telecommunications and Information Administration grants.
In addition, he has worked closely with Dr. Glaze on numerous Washington State, King County, City of Seattle grant funded digital equity research and infrastructure development projects, as well as 4 adult and 2 youth Digital Steward cohorts.
Chris leads the Digital Stewards Program and has 15 years experience teaching Digital and Information Literacy. He is also a faculty member at Seattle Central College in the STEM +B Department and teaches IT subjects, including programming and Tech Industry courses.
Chris holds a Master’s degree in Information Science with a specialization in Information Economics, Management and Policy (IEMP) from the University of Michigan, along with a Bachelor's degree in International Economic Development with a concentration in Latin American Political Economy.
Joydeep Hazra (He/Him)
Technology Portfolio Manager and Digital Steward Instructor and Placement Organizer
Joydeep Hazra is a seasoned professional in Research & Development, Product Management, and New Product Introduction within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) domain. With extensive experience leading international R&D labs across India, China, the EU, and the US, he has spearheaded the launch of technology-driven services across all continents. Notably, he played a pivotal role in catapulting T-Mobile USA to global prominence in the realm of 3G/4G and subsequently positioned them as a leader in 5G technology.
Additionally, Joydeep has marked milestones by introducing groundbreaking initiatives such as the world’s first AWS public cloud hosted Open RAN network with DISH networks and deploying private networks in the USA for both defense and civilian applications.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Joydeep is deeply committed to fostering public-private partnerships. He actively engages in serving on public boards and commissions, advocating for initiatives ranging from Youth education and Arts to Affordable Housing and Police-Community relationships.
Joydeep shares his wealth of knowledge through teaching roles, having contributed over 15 years to instructing industry-oriented courses at esteemed institutions such as the University of Washington, Northeastern University, and various community colleges. Joydeep is committed to Digital equity and integrating sustainability into business operations.
Mandee Figueroa (She/Her)
Creative Associate
Mandee is known for her diverse and innovative approach in the world of design and creativity. Her expansive portfolio includes children's books, board games, video games, fashion lines, and research papers. Mandee's artistry is about more than just creation; it's about forging connections with people and communities, using her work to evoke emotions and effect positive change.
From a young age, Mandee was self-taught, beginning with simple tools like Microsoft Paint and advancing to more complex digital mediums. Her artistic journey was uniquely complemented by her education in mathematics and science, forming a foundation that seamlessly integrates with her art, reflective of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) philosophy.
Her influence extends beyond typical design roles. Her involvement in community projects includes creating murals that amplify the voices of those affected by the war on drugs, employing her video editing skills to craft compelling narratives for communities battling mis and disinformation. In essence, Mandee’s unique blend of artistic talent and STEAM-based educational background allows her to inspire, engage, and make a significant difference in both the artistic and technological realms.
Mandee holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Brooklyn College.
Eric Glaze (He/Him)
Chief Operating Officer and Digital Equity Project Manager
Eric Glaze is an Operations Leader and IT professional who manages all backend operations for the Black Brilliance Research Project (BBR) and the Connect Across Tacoma (CAT) program. With a focus on operational excellence and project management, Eric ensures that BBR’s initiatives run smoothly by overseeing logistics, systems implementation, and team coordination, all in support of the programs' mission to uplift communities.
Before transitioning into this role, Eric worked as a Premises Technician at AT&T, where he managed specialized projects in copper and fiber installations in residential homes and businesses. He installed and maintained services like internet, U-verse TV, Direct TV Satellite, VoIP, and POTS, ensuring reliable, high-quality connections. This hands-on experience gave Eric a deep understanding of how critical connectivity is to everyday life.
Eric’s career is driven by a commitment to creating systems and infrastructure that empower people and communities, blending his technical expertise with a passion for delivering practical, impactful solutions.
Our Partners
We are excited to offer cohorts of paid training with our partners Local Connectivity Lab and the University of Washington Tacoma. This work is financially supported by the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program via the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Tacoma Cooperative Network
Founded in 2019 as a 501c3 Non-Profit Cooperative, Tacoma Cooperative Network (TCN) launched and maintained a pilot project in southern Hilltop. Since then, they have partnered with local organizations and residents to spread their coverage and support their goal of ending the digital divide and connecting all residents of Tacoma with affordable, high-speed internet that they have a say in.
TCN is focused on digital inclusion, education, and training. Their funding is 100% community owned and operated by a mix of member dues, donations, and grants. TCN is proud to be 100% net neutral and ensure that all traffic is encrypted.
Tacoma Cooperative Network was founded to create a network that gives the local community democratic access to the internet, with as little interference from corporate interests as possible, working toward a goal of complete independence from private influence.
Access to the internet is controlled 100% by corporations and they aim to change that for our region.
Chris Jowaisas (He/Him)
Senior Research Scientist, Information School, University of Washington
Chris Jowaisas is a senior research scientist at the University of Washington’s Information School’s Technology & Social Change Group.
Previously, Chris was a Senior Program Officer for the Global Libraries program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior roles include grants management at the Texas State Library & Archives Commission and technology management at the Texas Library Association.
Chris also served in multiple roles from 1997 – 2006 in the US Library Program at the Gates Foundation. His research interests include how public libraries support cultivating, producing, and sustaining local knowledge and how public libraries participate in and leverage open data ecosystems for the benefit of their communities.
Chris holds an MLIS from University of Michigan and BA from University of Oklahoma.
University of Washington Tacoma
Chris Jowaisas is a senior research scientist at the University of Washington’s Information School’s Technology & Social Change Group.
Previously, Chris was a Senior Program Officer for the Global Libraries program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior roles include grants management at the Texas State Library & Archives Commission and technology management at the Texas Library Association.
Chris also served in multiple roles from 1997 – 2006 in the US Library Program at the Gates Foundation. His research interests include how public libraries support cultivating, producing, and sustaining local knowledge and how public libraries participate in and leverage open data ecosystems for the benefit of their communities.
Chris holds an MLIS from University of Michigan and BA from University of Oklahoma.
OUR INSPIRATION
Our Digital Stewards program is inspired by the Detroit Community Technology Project, a Black-led national leader and originator in community-based technology and digital equity.
OUR COLLABORATORS
Some of our many supporters that were excited to collaborate with for this transformative work.
