Hero Story

Closing The Digital Gap went beyond their roles and responsibilities to make a difference in so many community members' lives. The fact that Angela Pruitt is a board member and not an everyday staff member is what makes this exceptional because she is a leader by example and deeds, not just words. She is willing to pull up her sleeves and do the work and not get caught up in titles. Nothing is not her job; she is willing to help wherever and whenever! If this meant during the pandemic teaching someone how to use Zoom or how to get online, even though she was not one of the instructors or staff, you would see her answering the phones or emails due to the overwhelming responses and contacts that the nonprofit had when the libraries closed, the schools closed and a lot of public places, restaurants, and government agencies closed. Angela would go above and beyond in her role as a board chair and take the time to teach basic computers, help someone navigate the internet to enroll in benefits, school, or for jobs, along with getting into meetings or health appointments. When we had staff scared to come back due to the pandemic or out sick due to Covid19, the assuming of the roles and responsibilities by Ms. Pruitt didn't phase her. I watched and participated with her in talking through over-the-phone terminology topics so that the person knew what a link was and what button to click on their mouse, when another staff member was busy in-house or on the line, as well. I watch Ms. Pruitt show people how to get the EBB or the ACP for discounted internet and computer devices through federal programs. I was impressed that she didn't think it wasn't her job or beneath her, role or responsibility, but it was her duty to ensure the person was helped. During this time we had complaints of slow responses, but if it was not for board members like Angela, a whole lot of people would not have been served; her patience and positive attitude are what has allowed our organization to sustain during this time. She is a Tech Hero, in which technology touches every aspect of our life whether through education, employment seeking, benefits enrollment, health records or appointments online, to staying social. So many were left behind digitally, but as far as Angela was concerned, hands were on deck and she took the lead to show us that our mission's duties are everyone's responsibility and that the community relies on us now more than ever. I don't think I didn't see her training in digital literacy, not one day since the pandemic happened, except when she caught Covid and had to take a break to get better. I never knew how many people didn't have the basics of basics in technology until this past year and a half. Many organizations provided so many things--utility assistance, rental assistance, food assistance--but with Angela's leadership, our organization made sure things ran smoothly. Referrals were made, resources were known, and training in tech happened for as many people we couldn't individually serve that were passed on to her, and as a result of her willingness to be one of us helped by her involvement to make a difference to so many needing even simple questions or information on where to get a device or internet. She didn't just participate in helping residents of the community; she personally took on the role to ensure we helped small businesses too. They've learned how to maneuver online to apply for grants for them to survive during the pandemic and some small businesses had never written or received grants prior to working with our organization. She unified our team and made sure we stayed focused, even though the capacity of clients seeking our help has seemed overwhelming to the effects of Covid-19 causing so many to rely more now than ever on technology and digital literacy skills. Angela is a great resource and leader, with a client-centered focus. She is very knowledgeable and shares her wealth, wisdom, and bag of resources and referrals. She keeps a pulse of the community organizations and happenings, along with current events and news to utilize in staff meetings and with clients. I am better for having known Angela because I have learned a lot about technology, community service, teamwork, and I've been able to give back a lot due to what has been poured into me from this organization and I know that Ms. Pruitt's good leadership was the reason.