United Way of Galveston + Comcast = a Digital Inclusion Week Celebration

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, United Way of Galveston partnered with Comcast Xfinity to celebrate Digital Inclusion Week with a special Lunch & Learn at the McGuire Dent Recreation Center Lift Zone.

The event brought together nonprofit leaders, community partners, and technology experts to explore how we can bridge the digital divide for Galveston families. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by The Spot and gathered in a welcoming community space thanks to Clinton and the McGuire Dent Recreation Center team.

Event Highlights

The program opened with remarks from Lindsey White, Executive Director of United Way of Galveston, followed by round robin introductions that gave everyone in the room a chance to connect and share how they use technology in their daily work.

The spotlight of the afternoon was Comcast’s WiFi Van demonstration, led by Isadore James, Adrian Franco, Alan Reid-Hart, and Justin Canas. Their hands-on presentation showed how mobile technology can expand access and provide critical connectivity for communities in need.

Afterward, Misha McClure, Comcast’s Regional External Affairs Director, facilitated a rich conversation on local digital inclusion opportunities and barriers. The session closed with reflections led by Lindsey White, where participants shared their “What blew your mind today?” takeaways.

A special moment during the event showed the power of partnership in action. Agency leaders were able to connect directly with Comcast leadership to troubleshoot real-time challenges, including a collaboration with the Galveston Diaper Bank to strengthen internet access at their warehouse.

We were also proud to welcome two United Way of Galveston board members in attendance: Brian Ray, Comcast’s Director of Operations, and Zahrah Ektefaei, Executive Director of the Galveston Children’s Museum. Brian shared, “It is inspiring to see our community come together to ensure more families and organizations have the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world.” Zahrah added, “Technology is not just about devices. It is about creating new possibilities for learning, connection, and growth. Today’s conversation showed how much more we can achieve when we work together.”

A $10,000 Investment in Galveston

Most importantly, United Way of Galveston is deeply grateful to Comcast for making a $10,000 investment to expand digital opportunities for Galveston through United Way and our Partner Agencies. This funding will help ensure that families and nonprofits on the island have the tools, training, and access they need to thrive in today’s connected world. Comcast announced a $10,000 investment to United Way of Galveston to launch the Digital Opportunity Fund and we have details for you.

Through this fund, each nonprofit organization that attended the Lunch & Learn will receive a $700 investment from Comcast via United Way of Galveston to strengthen and expand their digital programming. United Way of Galveston will be mailing checks to the organizations below fulfil this commendable commitment from Comcast Xfinity.

Moving Forward Together

As Lindsey White shared, “United is not just a word in our name, it is how we create change together.” Thanks to Comcast, our partners, and everyone who joined us, we are taking meaningful steps toward a future where every Galvestonian can fully participate in the digital economy.