The Patterson Foundation has hired Maribel Martinez as a consultant on its "Digital Access for All" initiative. In this position, Martinez will collaborate with the foundation’s staff members and other consultants on strengthening access to digital technology that connects individuals, organizations and communities across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

After beginning her teaching career in Miami, Martinez moved to New York City and led the launch of the first all-digital teaching platform. Later, she transitioned to nonprofit management full time and has been working to close the digital divide, the range of inequalities that separate those who are able to utilize the internet and digital technology and those who are not. She is a national digital inclusion expert and has first-hand experience collaborating with HUD-assisted housing leaders to implement multi-year digital equity plans. Her skills training curricula for secondary students, working-age individuals and older adults have been adopted in 30 U.S. cities and counting.