Access Humboldt executive director invited to join ZeroDivide Fellowship

Sean McLaughlin, executive director of Access Humboldt, is one of 16 leaders from across the state of California selected by the Community Technology Foundation to join Class III of the ZeroDivide Fellowship. This highly sought-after two-year fellowship increases the capacity of leaders in California to promote social justice through the use of information and communications technology.

“The ZeroDivide Fellowship is about building a movement of technology users who can turn information into action to improve society,” said Tessie Guillermo, CTF president and chief executive officer.

“These ZeroDivide fellows exemplify the diversity of California’s communities, from communities of color, rural communities, people with disabilities and other underserved communities,” said Laura Efurd, chief community investment officer. “They have the passion and drive to use technology and digital media to advance social justice, and to influence technology policy to reflect the needs and desires of their communities.”

McLaughlin said, “Rural communities of the Redwood Coast have particular challenges and opportunities with regard to technology and innovation, so I am delighted to have this opportunity to join with colleagues from across the state and build a movement that brings people together.”

Access Humboldt is a nonprofit community service organization created in 2006 to manage cable franchise benefits for Humboldt County and the cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Ferndale and Blue Lake. Community access resources provided by Suddenlink include cable TV channels, local broadband network connections and support for a new community media center being constructed at Eureka High School, which is ­set to open in spring 2008.