Your March Newsletter
The latest in media, telecom, and tech policy; broadband and social justice; and their impacts on our nation's most vulnerable communities.
This months's features:
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Celebrating Women's History Month
- Honoring Women FCC Commissioners Past and Present
MMTC Law and Policy Initiatives
- Meeting of the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment
- MMTC Releases Press Statement on FCC Proposal to Streamline 5G Deployment and Attends Carr Event on the Proposal
- Upcoming Event: Wireless Connect 2018
MMTC Podcast Series
- National Urban League Discusses Digital 2020 Census and Impact of Technology on Communities of Color
- Dr. Rikin Thakker Discusses Registered Apprenticeship and Telecom Workforce Development
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Apprenticeship Corner
- MMTC Hosts Webinar on Diversity and Inclusion in Registered Apprenticeship Programs
MMTC Media and Telecom Brokers
- Featured Broker: Henry Solomon
Women's History Events by MMTC Partners
- MANA's "The State of Latinas in Tech" in Washington, DC
- AT&T's "Humanity of Connection" in New York
MMTC's New Location
- MMTC Has Moved to a New Office - But We're Just a Few Blocks Away!
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Celebrating Women's History Month
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Honoring Women FCC Commissioners Past and Present
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In honor of Women's History Month, MMTC pays tribute to the 15 current and former FCC Commissioners for making women's history at the FCC since 1948!
All current and former women FCC Commissioners (pictured from left to right): Mignon Clyburn (2009-present) Jessica Rosenworcel (2012-2017; 2018-present), Frieda Hennock (1948-1955), Charlotte T. Reid (1971-1976), Margita White (1976-1979), Anne P. Jones (1979-1983), Mimi Weyforth Dawson (1981-1987), Patricia Diaz Dennis (1986-1989), Sherrie P. Marshall (1989-1993, no photo), Susan Ness (1994-2001), Rachelle B. Chong (1994-1997), Gloria Tristani (1997-2001), Kathleen Q. Abernathy (2001-2005), Deborah Taylor Tate (2006-2009), and Meredith Attwell Baker (2009-2011).
Learn
more about them.
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Here are some women's history facts you'll want to remember:
- Hon. Mignon Clyburn became the first African-American woman Commissioner when President Barack H. Obama appointed her in 2009. In addition, Clyburn served as the Acting Chairwoman from February to November 2013.
- Hon. Frieda B. Hennock made history as the first woman FCC commissioner when President Harry S. Truman appointed her in 1948. Listen to listen to Hennock's 1951 Meet the Press interview about the Color TV wars here.
- Hon. Patricia Diaz Dennis became the first Hispanic-American to serve as a Commissioner in 1986.
- Hon. Rachelle B. Chong was appointed as the first Asian-American Commissioner in 1994.
- Hon. Gloria Tristani became the first Commissioner of Puerto Rican descent and second Hispanic-American woman Commissioner in 1997.
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MMTC Law and Policy Initiatives
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Meeting of the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment
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On March 27
th
, the FCC held its semi-annual full meeting of the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE), during which each of the ACDDE working groups provided reports on their respective progress and proposals. Several MMTC leaders, staff, directors, and advisors are members of the ACDDE and its working groups.
The
Broadcast Diversity and Development Working Group
's report examined issues related to increasing broadcast ownership opportunities for small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities. The
Digital Empowerment and Inclusion Working Group
's report addressed its assessment of access, adoption, and use of broadband and new technologies by under-resourced communities. The
Diversity in Tech Working Group
updated ACDDE on its progress in examining issues related to the hiring, promotion and retention of women and minorities in the tech industry.
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The ACDDE unanimously approved proposals from all three working groups
: a broadcast incubator proposal based on congressionally authorized tax credits; plans for a diversity in procurement workshop with the Office of Communications Business Opportunities; and a series of meetings with tech companies to create diversity best practices for the industry.
In his remarks, Commissioner Carr acknowledged the U.S. Department of Labor and other groups, including MMTC, the National Urban League, and the Wireless Infrastructure Association, for their work with the agency on creating, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship programs.
- A video of the meeting is available here. (Note Adobe Flash Player is required)
- Learn more about the ACDDE here.
- A full list of working groups and their members is available here.
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MMTC Releases Press Statement on FCC Proposal to Streamline 5G Deployment and Attends Carr Event on the Proposal
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FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr recently announced the FCC's intent to streamline the 5G deployment review process by exempting small cells from certain reviews.
MMTC found the proposal to be a viable road map worthy of a full review. However, noting the objections of several Native American tribes and organizations to certain elements of the process, MMTC strongly encouraged the Commission to work closely with the tribal and environmental associations and stakeholders to resolve their concerns expeditiously and fairly.
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On March 20th, MMTC attended the
"FCC's Small Cell Deployment Streamlining Order and Bridging the Digital Divide"
discussion convened by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., the Hispanic Technology & Telecommunications Partnership (HTTP), and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC). The discussion featured a
fireside chat with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and Brookings Fellow Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee
. The discussion focused on the impact of the Commission's proposals on marginalized, unserved, and underserved communities. Commissioner Carr detailed concessions he'd made when drafting the proposals based on discussions with Tribal groups, and expressed enthusiasm for working to connect the FCC with the Department of Labor to help create Registered Apprenticeship programs as the nation's telecom infrastructure is upgraded and built out.
Dr. Turner-Lee also moderated the panel discussion that followed: panelists included Ron Busby, President and CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.; Rosa Mendoza, Executive Director, HTTP; and John C. Yang, President and CEO, AAJC. Davis Wright Tremaine hosted the event.
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Upcoming Event: Wireless Connect 2018
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Wireless Connect 2018 is an event held at the University of Maryland that brings together operators, service providers, infrastructure providers, OEMs, policymakers, and city planners to discuss the latest in 5G, spectrum, infrastructure, Smart Cities, Wi-Fi, broadband deployment, and workforce development.
During the
“
Evolution of 5G Workforce
” panel, MMTC Acting President and CEO
Maurita Coley
joins
Broadstaff President
Carrie Charles
, TeleWorld CEO
Shervin Gerami
, and NB+C VP
Conlon McCarthy
in
a discussion on bridging the skills gap through training, educational workshops, and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
The panel will also offer solutions on leveraging wired and wireless telecom technologies to connect the unconnected, train a 21st century workforce, and close the digital divide.
MMTC VP of Telecom and Spectrum Policy
Dr. Rikin Thakker
will serve as moderator.
Other event highlights include keynotes by
FCC Commissioner
Brendan Carr
and Wireless Infrastructure Association CEO
Jonathan Adelstein
; an exhibition hall; and a networking reception.
*As an event partner, MMTC offers
discounted registration
- use the code
MMTCwc2018
for 30% off the $100 ticket price!
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National Urban League Discusses Digital 2020 Census and Impact of Technology on Communities of Color
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The U.S. Census Bureau recently decided to conduct the 2020 Census online due to budget cuts, a decision that has far-reaching implications and impacts on communities of color, low-income households, the elderly, and numerous other marginalized, unserved, and underserved groups.
MMTC discusses these issues with experts from the National Urban League in its Season 2, Episode 3 podcast episode,
"Digital 2020 Census and the Impact of Technology on Communities of Color,"
where
MMTC Chief Social Media Officer Ananda Leeke sits down with
National Urban League Vice President of Partnerships and Advancement Maria Smith-Dautruche
and
National Urban League Senior Advisor to the 2020 Census Jeri Green
, discussing why the decennial Census is so important to Americans, how the data is used, and the issues that arise from an online census.
The discussion also addresses the changes to the 2020 Census race and ethnicity questions, the U.S. Department of Justice's request to add a citizenship status question, the safety and integrity of census data, and the National Urban League's partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau. Dautruche and and Green also provide recommendations for raising awareness and addressing these changes before they are submitted to Congress on March 31st.
Listen to the episode
here
.
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Dr. Rikin Thakker Discusses Registered Apprenticeship and Telecom Workforce Development
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In Season 2, Episode 4 of MMTC's podcast series, MMTC VP of Telecom and Spectrum Policy Dr. Rikin Thakker discusses why it is crucial for the telecommunications industry to take steps now to provide its existing workforce with the technical training needed for telecom infrastructure buildout. He also discusses the role MMTC is playing in training and educating a skilled workforce for future wireless networks through its apprenticeship partnership with the National Urban League, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Finally, he discusses
the white paper he co-authored with the Wireless Infrastructure Association: "Getting Ready for 5G: Preparing a Skilled Workforce for Future Wireless Networks."
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MMTC Hosts Webinar on Diversity and Inclusion in Registered Apprenticeship Programs
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On March 23
rd
, MMTC hosted an “Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship” Webinar on behalf of the Wireless Infrastructure Apprenticeship Access Initiative (WIAAI) Consortium made up of MMTC, the National Urban League (lead contractor under the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship), and the Wireless Infrastructure Association, created in 2016 under a DOL contract. The webinar:
- Trained 18 National Urban League Affiliates on Registered Apprenticeship and updates to EEO rules and regulations.
- Focused on how UL Affiliates can support local companies that have Registered Apprenticeship programs in developing Affirmative Action Plans and diversifying their workforces.
- Provided numerous tools and resources, created by WIAAI and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, to support diversity and inclusion efforts.
Visit the WIAAI website
here
.
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MMTC Media and Telecom Brokers
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Featured Broker: Henry Solomon
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Henry Solomon is a retired attorney who spent most of his career representing broadcasters, cable systems, and other media interests before the FCC. He joined MMTC shortly after he retired from Garvey Schubert Barer, a prominent DC law firm. In his
pro bono
work with MMTC 2010, Henry has primarily worked with Brokerage leaders Suzanne Gougherty and David Honig providing advisory and consulting services in MMTC's radio and TV brokerage work, as well as representing MMTC before the FCC. Henry's extensive experience stems from years of involvement in broadcast and other electronic media transactions, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to the brokerage's promotion of station ownership by women, minorities, and other entrepreneurs new to the industry.
The entire MMTC staff extends special thanks and gratitude to Henry for his expertise and commitment to the organization.
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Women's History Events by MMTC Partners
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MANA's "The State of Latinas in Tech" in Washington, DC
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On March 8th, MMTC participated in the State of Latinas in Tech event, held by MANA, A National Latina Organization; the Hispanic Technology & Telecommunications Partnership (HTTP); and the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW) in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo. It featured a discussion on Latinas in STEM educational tracks and industries, efforts from the federal level to provide educational equity for students, corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives, and strategies to prepare the future workforce of Latinas.
MANA President Amy Hinojosa delivered opening remarks, followed by a fireside chat between FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and HTTP Executive Director Rosa Mendoza. They discussed how the digital divide continues to loom large, FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel's visit to Puerto Rico, and the lack of internet access for students to do their homework in the United States. The event concluded with a panel featuring Jackie Puente, Executive Director of External Affairs, Comcast; Martha Montoya, Entrepreneur and Founder, AGTools; and Barbara Donato Vanegas, Software Engineer, 3M Health Care.
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AT&T's "Humanity of Connection" in New York
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MMTC Interim President and CEO Maurita Coley Flippin and Chief of Staff Dorrissa Griffin attended AT&T's second annual "Humanity of Connection" event on March 15th at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. The "Humanity of Connection" event recognized and remembered civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in honor of the 50th anniversary of his untimely death in April 1968.
Actor and author Hill Harper hosted the event, honoring actress Cicely Tyson; Angela Rye, CEO of Impact Strategies and CNN contributor; Michelle Ebanks, President of Essence Communications, Inc.; and Wes Moore, CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation. The event also included a premiere of the short film
The Humanity of Connection
, produced by former REVOLT CEO Keith Clinkscales and AT&T Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs Tanya Lombard, and featuring Tyson, Rye, Ebanks, and Moore.
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MMTC Has Moved to a New Office - But We're Just a Few Blocks Away!
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MMTC's new location is:
1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Suite 725
Washington, DC 20006
Please update your records - and feel free to stop by and visit us at our new office!
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