Women’s History Month 2024
Staff spotlight: Thami Hastings, Senior Program Manager, EveryoneOn
Interview conducted by Jessica Scadron, Vice President of Strategic Communications, EveryoneOn
Q: Can you share a bit about yourself?
A: I'm a proud Latina from Brazil, specifically from Recife, a city in the northeast of the country.
Growing up, it was just me and my mom, and we didn't have much. I didn't even have access to the internet until I was 15, which made navigating high school and preparing for national exams incredibly tough.
Despite the odds, I finished high school at 16 and went on to study communications. I've worked in various roles in entertainment, loving the power of words and nonverbal communication.
Back in Brazil, working in communications, especially journalism, was challenging. So I decided to try something different and moved to the U.S. to be an au pair, which wasn't easy. I immersed myself in American culture and language. Learning English wasn't easy either, but I taught myself through music, books, and some classes, and help from friends and family.
After the au pair program, I got married and started working as a nursing assistant in Milwaukee. Seeing the struggles of the city firsthand during COVID made me realize I wanted to do more for my community, especially in terms of digital equity.
Growing up without reliable internet, I understood its importance in being able to experience life to the fullest like reaching dreams and achieving goals.
Thami Hastings attending Net Inclusion 2024, hosted by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)
Q: How did you earn the title "Internet Lady" in Milwaukee?
A: I became known as the "Internet Lady" through my work with PCs for People, where I helped install internet for people in their homes.
Later, I joined Techquity, a council created by United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, focused on coordinating digital inclusion efforts in Milwaukee. Through Techquity and now EveryoneOn, I've been tireless in my pursuit to bridge the digital divide in Milwaukee by providing resources, promoting equal access to technology, and spreading awareness of digital equity.
Thami Hastings (right) with Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers (left)
Thami Hastings (left) with Mayor of Milwaukee Cavalier Johnson (right)
Q: Why did you choose to work at EveryoneOn?
A: I joined EveryoneOn because I wanted to end digital disparities in Milwaukee. I realized I couldn't do it alone and needed to be part of a group working toward that goal.
EveryoneOn's holistic approach to digital inclusion, providing internet access, devices, and digital skills, resonated with me.
I believe in expanding EveryoneOn's presence beyond Milwaukee because the digital divide is a pervasive issue that needs addressing across the Midwest.
Thami Hastings (left) kicking off the first-ever Digital Connections class at the McGovern Senior Center in Milwaukee with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Q: What's one thing you want people to know about the digital divide, locally and nationally?
A: Even though the pandemic may have calmed down, the digital divide persists. Access to the internet, devices, and digital skills is crucial. It's not a luxury - it is a necessity, just like electricity or water. I urge policymakers and funders to prioritize bridging this gap and providing communities with the resources they need to get online.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share?
A: I'm proud to serve the Milwaukee community. There's still much work to be done. I'm committed to this journey and making a difference wherever I can.