2025 Conference Speaker Bios – NYS Digital Equity Network

Revati Prasad

Dr. Revati Prasad is Executive Director of The Benton Institute. Dr. Prasad defines and implements Benton’s strategic vision in service to Benton’s mission and in consultation with Benton’s Trustees and Board of Directors. She oversees Benton’s programmatic work, managing staff and our relationships with Benton experts, partners, and supporters. Previously in her roles as Benton’s Research Director and Vice President of Programs, Revati led Benton’s contributions to evidence-based policy solutions to advance universal, equitable broadband access, adoption, and application.

Dr. Prasad holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and an MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Her doctoral work examined efforts to “connect the unconnected” in rural India, including telecommunications policy, infrastructure projects, and small networks run by WISPs.

Dr. Prasad’s research has been published in Media, Culture & Society; Information, Culture & Society; Communication, Culture and Critique; and Journalism. She has received awards from the Global Communication and Social Change and the Media Industries Divisions of the International Communication Association.

Joshua Breitbart

Joshua Breitbart is the Senior Vice President, ConnectALL, at Empire State Development. In that role, he serves as Director of the Division of Broadband Access, overseeing the statewide digital equity plan and administering over $1 billion in public investments across the state. Joshua Breitbart brings more than two decades of experience to ConnectALL, including as Senior Advisor for Broadband and Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the City of New York and as an advisor to the broadband subcommittee of the Reimagine New York Commission.

Meg Käufer

Margaret Käufer is the President/Chief Visionary Officer of The STEM Alliance. Under her leadership, The STEM Alliance has grown from a grassroots organization to a Westchester County leader in science, technology, engineering and math enrichment. Meg has championed STEM for its capacity to inspire next generation leaders while also connecting underserved populations to skills that lead to increased employability and higher wages. She also launched their wide scale Digital Pathways initiative which provides computers, internet access and tech education to those in need, bridging the digital divide for thousands in Westchester & NYC annually. (BA / Brown University & M. Ed. / Teachers College – Columbia University)

Liam Albright

Liam is a Ph.D. Candidate in Information Science at Cornell University with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). His research is broadly focused on how emerging technologies are affecting workers in low-income and at-risk communities. Currently, his work focuses on how generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) are affecting or could affect legal aid work.

Carl Atkins

Carl Atkins is a retired physician who practiced hematology and oncology in Long Island and Upstate New York and Hospice Medicine upstate. He has been a broadband advocate for years, serving on the Steering Committee as a citizen member of the Digital Equity Coalition of the Capital Region and the same role for NYSDEN. Carl received his Bachelor of Science degree from MIT and his MD from Tufts University.

Paolo Balboa

Paolo Balboa is the Chief Digital Equity Officer for the City of New York, overseeing the planning and implementation of digital inclusion programs in NYC. He was previously the Associate Director for Local Support at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. He holds a BS in Journalism from Ohio University and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the Pratt Institute.

Aïcha Bamba

Aïcha A. Bamba is a sought after Political Practitioner with a distinguished career spanning over a decade in state and local government, activism, and advocacy. Aïcha currently serves as the Vice President of Government Relations at London House Consulting. Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, Aïcha’s journey in public service is defined by a deep-rooted love for her community, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a resolute dedication to equity. With over a decade of experience in government, activism, and advocacy, she has advised on policy and strategy at the city, state, and federal levels. Aïcha has worked with HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Congress Members Yvette Clarke and Ritchie Torres, and State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and many other distinguished leaders.

CJ Banks

CJ Banks is the Vice President of Career Advancement & Strategic Partnerships at Villa Maria College, where he leads initiatives focused on innovative workforce development, strategic employer partnerships, and the integration of technology-driven solutions in higher education. CJ is also the Founder and President of the KORP Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equitable access to career opportunities and education for underserved communities.

His extensive involvement in digital equity and AI policy underscores his commitment to fostering ethical and equitable technology adoption. CJ serves as the Founder of the Western New York AI and Equity Task Force, working actively to ensure inclusive AI practices across sectors. Additionally, he is an engaged member of the Western New York Digital Equity Coalition, advocating for digital inclusion and literacy.

CJ also serves on the Board of Directors for the Multicultural Solidarity Organization Long Island, Inc., further highlighting his dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and community empowerment through strategic initiatives and collaborative leadership.

Christine Carr-Barmasse

Christine Carr-Barmasse is Executive Director of Mission: Ignite. Under her leadership, Mission: Ignite has donated almost 40,000 reconditioned corporate computers through M:I’s Computer Hardware Training Center and trained hundreds of students of all ages on digital literacy and adoption curriculum. Christine joined the agency in 1999, when it was known as Computers for Children. It was the first of its kind technology agency to advocate and create programs to minimize the digital divide in NYS and across the nation. Today Christine serves on various initiatives and committees to help bring the Digital Divide to a narrow gap for NYS residents.

Christine received an AS in Communications/ Marketing Graphics from Villa Maria and a BS in Business Management and Economics from SUNY Empire State.

Jim Corporal

With an information technology solutions background of over 25 years spanning multiple industries, Jim is responsible for overseeing and growing Digital Accessibility Services at The Viscardi Center, which ensures that electronic documents, websites, and multi-media files are fully accessible to people with visual and physical disabilities using assistive technologies and screen-reading software.

While focusing on utilizing technology as a method to solve operational demands and grow sales Jim has brought a unique blend of technology expertise and business acumen to organizations in the finance, entertainment, computer software and hardware, and retail industries including work in the B2B and B2C online arenas.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Dowling College along with management certificates from Stanford University and the Project Management Institute.

Eliot Cresswell

Eliot Cresswell is WDI’s Director of Strategic Initiatives. He heads the organization’s research, data analysis, and outcome reporting efforts as well as WDI’s energy and climate program. He provides strategic input and program design input for WDI’s staff and partners around the state. Prior to WDI, he worked for the SUNY Research Foundation and served in the United States Peace Corps. He routinely volunteers his time on community boards and initiatives.

Eli Dvorkin

Eli Dvorkin is the Editorial & Policy Director at the Center for an Urban Future, where he oversees the development of all publications and advances CUF’s research and recommendations on the critical policy challenges facing the city and state. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Crain’s New York Business, New York Daily News, City & State NY, Gotham Gazette, and on WNYC. He graduated from Columbia University.

Marisol Getchius

I have been advocating from day 1. Even though I couldn’t articulate clearly until I was 5-6 years old, I was able to make my thoughts known. Once my articulation came together, thoughts became words, and I found my voice. As time went on my voice became my tool to speak up for myself and others. The tool had a formal name called Advocacy. I got involved with an advocacy group which took me to my first stint with SANYS. I left SANYS in 1996 due to changes in my life. In 1998, I began my career with a provider agency as their Advocacy Assistant. In 2019, I had the opportunity to rejoin SANYS as their Regional Organizer once again.

I have a unique situation because I work within the system but also, I’m a

recipient of services. I’m Self-Directed which means I control the “pot of gold.” I have been involved with various systems throughout my life and learned how to navigate them.

Today, I am married, a mother to two beautiful adult children, a homeowner, and an active member of my community.

Lauri Goldkind

Dr. Lauri Goldkind is a professor at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service and the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Technology in Human Services. Dr. Goldkind’s current research includes artificial intelligence and data ecosystems in nonprofits as well as social justice and civic engagement in organizational life. She holds an MSW for SUNY Stony Brook and a PhD from the Wurzweiller School of Social Work at Yeshiva University.

Kimberly Harris

Kimberly is a co-founder of Health Tequity LLC, a company that advances health equity in communities through digital technologies. Previously, she worked as a consultant on projects that advanced digital equity, promoted trauma-informed care, and supported best-practices for funders and as a VP for an innovative tech startup that supports older adults. She became a leader in the field of aging and technology through her work at the New York City-based nonprofit OATS, most visibly on the development of its flagship program “Senior Planet.” She is currently the chair of the board of directors of DigitalLIFT, a nonprofit working to close the digital divide, and is active in a variety of aging and digital equity-related initiatives. She has a BA in sociology and anthropology from the University of Redlands, a MA from New York University in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Social Thought, and is pursuing a PhD at Friedrich Schiller University in Reconciliation, Conflict Transformation & Peace Studies.

Steve Heist

Steve Heist, Sr. VP & CIO at OneBridge Benefits, has over 30 years of experience in strategic technology management. His career includes leadership roles in both the health benefits, state higher education and technology implementation spaces. Steve is active in community and consortium efforts serving on the WNYDEC Steering Committee and as VP of the Mission Ignite Board of Directors and contributing to digital equity initiatives such as the National Science Foundation Project Overcome initiative.

Monica Hidalgo

Monica Hidalgo is a public policy and community affairs professional with a career-long focus on education and public health. She currently serves as Corporate Director of Community Affairs at NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP), leading efforts to standardize, expand, and implement community relations and engagement strategy across NYP’s 10 campuses. Monica also oversees the Hospital’s Community Fund – a grant program for community-based organizations established to address social determinants of health. She cultivates, maintains, and supports NYP’s relationships with community-based organizations, elected officials, and community leaders in New York City and Westchester County. She develops strategies to help improve the health and well-being of the communities surrounding NYP’s campuses and advises on internal policies related to community affairs.

Otho Kerr

Otho E. Kerr III is the Director of Community Impact Investing at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Otho works to connect capital with innovative ideas in under-resourced communities. Otho was the Chief Investment Officer for Acumen, and prior to that he was a founding partner and Chief Operating Officer with Encourage Capital, an impact investment firm. Otho is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, and was the first member of his class to receive the Dartmouth Alumni Award.

Annmarie Lanesey

Annmarie Lanesey is a transformative force in New York’s digital equity and technology sectors. As the Founder & CEO of Can Code Communities and President of Greane Tree Technology, she employs technology as a tool for community development, innovation, and economic empowerment. She rapidly expanded the Can Code Communities model throughout New York State, establishing it as a pioneering initiative to bridge the state’s digital divide. Celebrated across the Capital Region and state for her role in tech equity, Annmarie has received numerous awards for her work. Her relentless dedication to elevating underserved and underrepresented communities in tech equity and her holistic stakeholder engagement approach solidifies her as a leading force in New York’s digital fluency landscape.

Don Matteson

Don Matteson has volunteered as Facilitator for the WNY Digital Equity Coalition since its formation in late 2020. By day, he serves as the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation’s Chief Program Officer.

Don completed his undergraduate studies at Oberlin College in Ohio, and earned his Master’s degree in Sociology from the University at Buffalo, specializing in demography, research methods, and statistics. In his spare time, he tinkers with (mostly breaks) technology, struggles to learn guitar and ukulele, and does what he can to keep up with his 13 year-old son.

Steve Otis

Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-91st AD) serves as Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Science and Technology, the first chair of the committee, which was created in 2021. The work of the committee has focused on several cutting-edge technology issues facing our society, including data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, reproductive health data privacy, the environmental impacts of cryptocurrency mining, and promoting accelerated rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to help New York meet our climate change goals. The Assemblyman has also been a leader in advocating for Digital Equity and Inclusion programs.

Meisha Porter

Dr. Meisha Porter is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Center for Education Innovation (CEI) where she is responsible for the development and growth of CEI Bronx. Previously, Dr. Porter was the inaugural President and CEO of The Bronx Community Foundation. Prior to this, Dr. Porter was Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation. Dr. Porter holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in Cross Cultural Literature from Hunter College, a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Mercy College and an Ed.D from Fordham University.

Tisha Pryor

Tisha Pryor is Director of Digital Equity at ConnectALL, New York’s office to transform the State’s digital infrastructure, where she leads a portfolio of grant and strategic initiatives to advance the state’s Digital Equity program. Tisha has worked to address issues of digital equity in education for over twenty years, including scaling research and development initiatives to improve outcomes through creative pedagogy and learner-centered practices in schools, community-based organizations, and higher education institutions.

Brian Romero

Brian Romero serves as Chief of Staff to State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Chair of the Senate Internet and Technology Committee and Elections Committee, advising on technology policy and digital access legislation. He previously spent four and a half years as Assembly Member González-Rojas’ chief of staff, advancing legislation on abortion access, maternal health, transgender rights, and worker protections while leading the successful universal school meals campaign. As Policy and 2020 Census Manager at GMHC, he advocated for healthcare access and immigrant rights in communities affected by HIV/AIDS, while managing grants for LGBTQ Census outreach that addressed digital divides in underserved populations. Brian served as President of NYC’s Stonewall Democratic Club and currently Co-Chairs NASW’s Political Action Committee. He holds an MSW from Hunter College and serves as Democratic State Committee Member for the 36th Assembly District.

Michael Romita

Michael N. Romita is President & CEO of the Westchester County Association, where he leads efforts to drive economic growth across key sectors including real estate, healthcare, sustainability, and digital equity. A former Executive VP at Castle Oil Corporation and environmental litigator at the U.S. Department of Justice, Michael brings a unique blend of business and public policy expertise. He holds degrees from Tufts, the University of Michigan Law School, and the London School of Economics. He lives in Westchester with his wife Melissa and enjoys catching up with their college-age daughter.

Heather Senecal

Heather is the Director of Learning and Evaluation at the United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) and she gets to work with 70+ amazing partner organizations. She facilitates two collective impact coalitions both working on transformational change. Outside of the coalition work, Heather supports UWGCR partners to build their evaluation capacity through training, data support, and hosting annual reporting and learning sessions. Heather is also part of the team that develops and supports the UWGCR advocacy agenda each legislative session.

Courtney Spaulding

Courtney Spaulding is the Director of Operations and Training at the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York. Prior to this, Courtney held various positions at Berkeley College, including Adjunct Professor and Academic Advisor. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Management and brings a wealth of experience in education, training, and customer service management. Throughout her career, Courtney has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing disability rights through capacity-building, community education, and workforce development programs that empower people with disabilities and those who serve them.

Cheryl Tompson

Cheryl is the Managing Director of Health Systems for one of the largest FQHC’s in Westchester County and heads up the EHR (Electronic Health Record) digitalization for automation of processes and workflow solutions. As a customer-focused professional with 15+ years of experience in directing large-scale programs and engaging thought leadership for global program solutions for BNY Mellon Wealth Management, MasterCard Worldwide and Starr Insurance Holdings. Cheryl is responsible for leading and implementing initiatives that bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to health technology and digital services across the patient population served by
the Westchester Community Health Center.

Merlin Valdez

Merlin Valdez, a Black Dominican from NYC, is an ed-tech entrepreneur dedicated to affirming students’ identities through culturally relevant and sustaining lesson planning. As a bilingual student and educator, he has firsthand experience of the disconnect between curricula and students’ realities, inspiring his mission to center community knowledge in education.

After completing his Teach for America corps service in Dallas, Texas, Merlin earned a master’s in public management in Chile, where his thesis compared teacher training in Chile and the Dominican Republic. Merlin also worked at Teacher for Chile supporting the expansion efforts of Teach For All’s collective leadership model across Latin America.

Back in NYC, Merlin coached over 90 teachers as a Director at Teach For America, NY, focusing on culturally responsive practices in the Bronx. In 2023, he co-founded Planning Period, an AI-powered platform helping educators create lessons that foster community centered joy, agency, and expansive learning.

Tameka Vasquez

Tameka Vasquez is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Future Quo. For over 15 years, Tameka has been at the forefront of future-shaping work. As a keynote speaker and facilitator, Tameka has transformed the way leaders and teams think about the future and its possibilities. She has been featured by NYU’s Urban Future Lab, NASA’s Glenn Research Center, Aspen Institute, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Step Dubai, and others.

Jenni Warren

Jenni Warren is the Program Director of Decoded Futures at Tech:NYC, leading efforts to equip nonprofits with the transformative power of AI. With over 15 years of experience in learning and development both internationally and domestically, she has built innovative programs at the intersection of education, technology, and equity. Decoded Futures, a Tech:NYC Foundation program, empowers New York City’s nonprofit sector to explore and integrate AI through hands-on learning, strategic partnerships, and practical tools. Jenni holds a masters degree in Early Childhood Education from The Ohio State University and is passionate about using tech for social impact.

NYSDEN 2025 Speakers