How a non-profit transformed digital equity in Chattanooga

Debra Socia, CEO of The Enterprise Center, a non-profit economic development partner to the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County region in Tennessee, has announced her plans to retire at the end of this year. Jonathan Andrews spoke to her about her achievements and the remaining challenges facing digital equity.

How has the digital equity landscape changed in the last five years since you came onboard at The Enterprise Center? 

The pandemic has had a significant impact on how people view and understand the need for digital inclusion. It highlighted the difficulties unconnected families have when they want to learn, work, and connect from home. Because of this, we have seen an increased focus on the importance of broadband infrastructure, affordable access, devices, and digital skills training.

One of the big changes in the past five years has been the availability of funding to work on both infrastructure and adoption. It is great to see that the focus includes the need to fund adoption efforts as this was not common in the past.

Helping to narrow the gap in our communities with regard to digital skills training and access has had an outsized impact on the opportunities available to those who participate.

I was also pleased to see the implementation of a programme to make sure home Internet access was affordable. The Affordable Connectivity Program provided relief to folks whose incomes did not allow them to provide home access for their families. The abrupt end of this programme has resulted in a decrease in the number of folks who can afford this service. I hope that we can find a path to a more permanent solution.

What have been the main challenges in that time?

I worry a bit about how divided so much of the country is at this moment. I believe we all agree on the what (access and skills training), but cannot seem to figure out the how (specifically a funding solution). That challenge, more than others, has been frustrating. In addition, given the rapid deployment of funding, while I love that there are so many more digital inclusion projects popping up around the country, I worry a bit about programme fidelity. I hope that the newer programmes will take the time to learn from those who’ve been working on digital equity for many years.

What have been some of your key highlights/achievements as CEO?

I have been lucky to work with an amazing group of colleagues. Together we have accomplished more than I could have imagined. A few highlights from the last five years:

• HCS EdConnect – During the pandemic, a partnership between the local school system, EPB (our local power company) the city and county, and our organisation was created to provide no-cost in-home Internet. That programme is guaranteed for at least 10 years and currently serves more than 17,000 students and their families.
• Tech Goes Home – With nearly 12,000 graduates as of March 2024, TGH TN provides free training, a device, and support to get low-cost home Internet access.
• Statewide growth – we have grown our organisation to include two state wide projects. Both facets of TGH, one project supports seniors and the other supports early childhood educators.
• Chattamatters – To increase understanding of local government and make participation more accessible, Chattamatters creates non-partisan explainers through videos, social content, and newsletters.
• Networking & Neurodiversity – What began as a quarterly networking series has scaled to an award-winning bi-monthly programme focused on connection opportunities with people who are neurodiverse in mind. Through the use of quiet spaces, non-traditional networking options, and more, this programme is both about cultivating interconnectedness in the neurodiverse community and addressing workforce gaps through employer opportunities.
• Blacks in Tech – One of our newest burgeoning projects, we’re working with community members to launch a local chapter of the national Blacks in Technology organisation to provide mentorship, networking, and community connection.
• Teambuilding – Helping to nurture the next generation of leaders has been a focus of our professional development during the past five years. Training, open conversation, and giving team members the opportunity to grow ensures our organisation will be well prepared for the future.

Is there anything you would have done differently in hindsight? 

If only we’d known a pandemic was coming, imagine what we might have done differently! When I look back, there are always things I’d have done differently. Found a new collaboration, built a new programme faster and stronger, hired someone sooner, or found a different path forward when we hit stumbling blocks. As I look back over my past five years, however, I feel pretty good about leaving the work in the hands of the team. And that brings me great satisfaction.

What are the remaining challenges?

Digital inclusion work seems never-ending. As we solve for digital skills and devices, the cost of Internet access continues to be prohibitive for some. The technology and the skills are ever-evolving and those engaged in this work must keep ahead of the trends to ensure folks are not left further behind in a world where AI has become a new reality.

What would be some advice for the next CEO?

I believe one of the most important aspects of leadership is the ability to listen, communicate, and give and accept feedback. I’d recommend that the next CEO spend time listening and learning with the amazing team at The Enterprise Center. In addition, since the currency of our work is trust, the new CEO will want to work to build relationships within the organisation, with community members, and with partners.

What are your future plans in retirement?

I love Chattanooga and it is my plan to remain here. I love to cook and read and garden, and I’ll do plenty of all three. I plan to do a little consulting and some volunteering as well. But my most important goal is to spend more time with my grandchildren. They are growing up too fast and I don’t want to miss another minute of the journey.

Those interested in applying to be the new CEO, see here.

Image: Enterprise Center