Bridging the Digital Divide

In this time of digital acceleration, the digital divide is growing. Tune in to this #NomadFuturist podcast and learn how David Neeman and James Patrignelli, agents for good, are stepping up to the problem.David Neeman worked for ten years as a prosecutor in the Manhattan DA’s office, motivated by a desire to help people, especially young people. During his tenure he became deeply aware of the tragic dimension of so many people’s lives. As he became involved with community service programs, Neeman came to understand the need for underprivileged youth to have access to technology. This realization led to his establishing The Loyalty Foundation.“The future is technology. If you don’t have access to the technology, you don’t have access to the future.”At the advent of the Covid crisis, Neeman decided to help a student who didn’t have a computer. “I was able to purchase a refurbished Chromebook for one hundred dollars. We moved money around in the budget to be able to buy it. …he was so happy…he was in every class, doing everything, pushing hard, amazing!”This initial success led to an ever-growing outreach both to community organizations helping underserved youth as well as a network of donors who wished to help. The need to find affordable computers led to Neeman’s association with James Patrignelli, the Northeast Director of Sales for Liquid Technologies, an IT asset disposition firm based in Connecticut.Patrignelli explains the issue of proper handling of personal data on legacy machines.“We want to provide a path for people to be able to donate their assets and feel comfortable and secure.”Neeman talks about the complex challenges that he and his partners are facing, including issues such as lack of broadband access as well as parents who may be both financially and digitally challenged.“The digital equity issue is so massive, It’s not just the computer or the device. It goes into many different areas and we try to be a trusted community guide and partner, someone they know that they can rely upon.”Neeman’s excitement and passion are infectious. He and Patrignelli are entrepreneurs for good, sharing a deeply felt mission. They have tapped into a community of like-minded people – a network of good actors who are trying to make a difference and change people’s lives.Neeman’s guiding principal:“Keep finding the way back your heart, to what matters.”David Neeman is the Founder & Chairman of The Loyalty Foundation, established to introduce and augment technology education programs in underserved communities ensuring all children, irrespective of race, gender or socioeconomic status, have equal access to critical educational opportunities. By inspiring and instilling a love of technology, the Loyalty Foundation helps students develop the knowledge, skills and self-esteem they need to succeed in today and tomorrow’s economy. Prior to this, David served as Prosecutor at the Manhattan District Attorney for ten years.James Patrignelli is the Director of Sales, Northeast for Liquid Technology. He joined Liquid in 2011 as a Senior Account Manager. James works with executives to develop and implement end-of-life IT asset management programs for Fortune 500 companies with a focus on data security and maximizing the return of IT hardware. He has worked in the IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) field since 2005 and has advised CIOs, CTOs and data center managers across the globe about best practices for end-of-life IT asset management. James received a B.S. in Business Administration and Management Information Systems from the University of Connecticut and studied overseas in Italy for his second degree in International Economics.