January 25, 2021
Last week, the Biden administration named long-standing FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel the Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. Given her history as a civil servant, the appointment comes as good news to those working to close the digital divide.
Chairwoman Rosenworcel has worked tirelessly throughout her time at the FCC to establish more equitable broadband infrastructure throughout the United States. Stemming from the recognition of the impact broadband access can have for minority groups, her work focuses on closing the digital divide and homework gap through public initiatives, as well as promoting diversity in media and telecom.
Her work to promote equitable access to broadband for marginalized groups has not gone unrecognized. In 2019, LGBT Tech’s PowerOn program awarded then-Commissioner Rosenworcel with the program’s Change Agent Award for her work to close the digital divide and the impact such work has on the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBT Tech has long been supportive of Commissioner Rosenworcel and the FCC’s efforts to bridge the digital divide in the United States through initiatives such as the Emergency Broadband Program (EBB) and the Universal Service Program (Lifeline). Three members of the LGBT Tech team currently hold positions on three FCC committees, providing input on the positive impact of tech and broadband accessibility to LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.
“LGBT Tech has been honored to engage with Chairwoman Rosenworcel on issues of broadband access, availability and closing the digital divide,” said Chris Wood, Executive Director of LGBT Tech. “We look forward to continuing to engage with the Acting Chair to help LGBTQ+ individuals across the country access essential connectivity resources.”