كابانا ميديا

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During the early days of COVID-19, the digital divide became unmistakably clear. Our founder, then based in New York City—an early epicenter of the pandemic—witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by neighbors in adapting to a remote-first world. Children lining up outside Starbucks to access free Wi-Fi, sharing laptops just to complete their homework. Neighbors lacking the devices and experience to utilize remote first technologies. 

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What once started as a graduate school project has emerged as a nonprofit focused on equipping others with free and trusted insight. The need to sunset a passion project is no longer needed when cost to maintain and operate are minimized through technical advances and consumer adoption behavior. 

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The reality is that this digital divide existed long before the AI boom or the realities of remote work.  Vivid feelings of exclusion from a subtle but powerful social divider surrounding popular TV shows available only on paid cable channels emerged.​​ Later, as streaming services gained traction, another reminder emerged as homes doubled as  community hubs, simply because others couldn't afford the growing number of streaming subscriptions.

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When the AI boom began, risk was quickly recognized: the digital divide was not just persisting—it was accelerating. Unlike previous technological shifts, this one demanded both rapid skill development and a mindset shift, especially among communities already burdened by distrust and systemic digital disadvantage.

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If AI literacy is limited to privileged few with access to exposure and capital, we risk creating a future built only for the already privileged. Bridging this gap is not optional—it is a leadership imperative.