Kyla Williams Tate Recognized as a 2025 Digital Equity Champion

Today, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named Kyla Williams Tate, Digital Equity Director for Cook County Government, as a 2025 Digital Equity Champion.

Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, NDIA created the Digital Equity Champion Award to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity. In an increasingly connected society, digital inclusion—access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills training—is essential not only to participate in today’s world but also to find greater opportunities to thrive. Each recipient demonstrates:

• Sustained commitment to digital inclusion programs and an expertise in digital equity
• Innovation in addressing and solving digital inequities
• Dedication to serving communities and target populations who are most in need of digital inclusion services
• Leadership and collaborative spirit
• Prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work
• Use of data and evaluation to shape digital inclusion programs and share best practices
• Engagement in sustainable work that can be scaled and replicated

As Cook County’s first-ever Digital Equity Director, Williams Tate helped lead the development and release of the Cook County Digital Equity Action Plan, a comprehensive roadmap for closing the digital divide in one of the nation’s largest and most diverse counties. The plan identifies key barriers to connectivity and outlines actionable strategies to ensure all Cook County residents have access to the tools and opportunities of the digital age.

“Kyla Williams Tate is a fierce advocate for equity and a steady force for progress in Cook County,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Her work to expand digital access is rooted in justice and community voice, and this national recognition is a testament to the impact she’s made. I’m proud to have Kyla on our team and even prouder of the difference she’s making for residents across the County.”

“It’s an incredible honor to be named a Digital Equity Champion,” said Kyla Williams Tate. “This award reflects the collective work of our County team, our community partners and the residents who shared their voices to shape our vision. The Digital Equity Action Plan was built by and for the people most affected by the digital divide, and I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Digital equity is not just a policy priority. It is a matter of dignity, opportunity and justice.”

Earlier this year, Cook County was also recognized by NDIA as one of the nation’s 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, joining a select group of local governments leading the charge on equitable internet access and digital opportunity. This honor builds on the County’s growing national profile as a model for community-centered digital inclusion work.

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About National Digital Inclusion Alliance: NDIA advances digital equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act. Working collaboratively with more than 2,000 digital inclusion practitioners, NDIA advocates for equitable broadband access, tech devices, digital skills training, and tech support. For more information, visit digitalinclusion.org.