The issue of the digital divide is an issue that has a bright spotlight – particularly since the start of the pandemic. Among those who cannot be left behind are essential workers and Latino entrepreneurs, according to Domenika Lynch, executive director, Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program.

WorkingNation sat down with Lynch at SXSW EDU in Austin.

She says it’s crucial that digital upskilling opportunities are made available to the population that has been historically underrepresented.

Lynch notes that there are half a million cybersecurity jobs currently available, but only 4% of Latinos have the skills required for those jobs.

An Aspen Institute initiative – City Learning and Action Lab – is focusing on six Latino-majority cities and communities to push economic growth. The initial cohort includes San Bernardino in California, the southwest side of Chicago, and El Paso and San Antonio in Texas, Phoenix, and Miami.

Lynch says, “I’m optimistic that this moment in time is a paradigm shift. Latinos are innovating. When you’re an immigrant, you arrive in a new country, you have to figure things out. It’s learning a new language.”

“So, developing digital literacy is the goal. To be digitally fluent and successful.”

Learn more about Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program.
Learn more about Aspen Institute.
Learn more about City Learning and Action Lab.