Inside the NDIA with Executive Director Angela Siefer

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 as we sit down with Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). We discuss the origins and mission of NDIA, the evolving landscape of digital equity, and how AI is shaping the next Digital Divide. 

Learn about the importance of local digital navigators, the role of ISPs and tech companies, and why digital inclusion is ultimately a human challenge.

Recommended links: 

NDIA webpage

NDIA Linkedin

Angela Siefer Linkedin

Chapters

• 2:52 Who is Angela Siefer and what is her role with the NDIA
• 5:59 NDIA's work with education
• 7:29 Angela's history with the NDIA
• 11:17 NDIA and AI scaling
• 14:49 Role BEAD and ISPs play in the broadband space
• 16:39 How should people get involved with the NDIA

Transcript

Jessica Denson (00:00):
This is Connected Nation, an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband from closing the digital divide to improving your internet speeds. We talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods. It's one of the most powerful and vocal groups in the United States working to expand digital inclusion. On this episode of Connected Nation, I talk with the executive director of the NDIA about the organization's start its current work on the ground. And what's next? I'm Jessica Denson, and this is Connected Nation. I am at day two of Mountain Connect, and I just finished watching this very interesting panel. And one of the panelists was Angela Ser, who is Executive Director of NDIA. Um, you did a fantastic job out there. Thank you so much for, for letting me tackle you and bring you back here to talk to us. Uh, thanks for joining us, Angela. 

Angela Siefer (01:03):
Yeah, thanks Jessica for grabbing me after the panel. It was super fun panel. 

Jessica Denson (01:07):
Yeah, it was super. You guys did some interesting things with the sites <laugh>. They had agree and bs, if you wanna say, I'll just put it that way, for 

Angela Siefer (01:15):
One on each side of the placard. And then as the panelists, we would flip our placard to whichever side we thought was appropriate for the statement being shared by our moderator, Uhhuh. 

Jessica Denson (01:25):
And there was a mix of people. There were, uh, some digital inclusion people. There was, uh, Wispa, there was wave. There was, so there was a lot of different points of view, 

Angela Siefer (01:34):
Didn't there? Were there were some different points of view. Yeah. We did not all agree on everything. No. 

Jessica Denson (01:37):
Which is okay. Which is okay. Yeah. 

Angela Siefer (01:39):
And it's all good. We can all be in a respectful conversation and not all agree. But it was interesting that once, sometimes we dived into some of the details, uh, like there were times when I would hesitate to say either one. 'cause my answer in my head was, well, I'm gonna need some more clarity. This. Like, it's complicated. Or there's particular situations, 

Jessica Denson (01:56):
Uhhuh, there's some nuance, 

Angela Siefer (01:57):
There's some nuance uhhuh, uh, which I think is important for us all to be discussing. 

Jessica Denson (02:01):
Yeah, I would agree with that. There were a couple times when I wanted to cheer <laugh> <laugh>, uh, the Ohio, the Ohioans represented the OI It must must be a lot of Ohioans 

Angela Siefer (02:10):
Here at this conference 

Jessica Denson (02:11):
Fee. They were, every time we were doing, myself

Angela Siefer (02:13):
Included. 

Jessica Denson (02:13):

Yeah. Angela Siefer (02:14):
Oh, are you from Ohio as well? I'm Ohio. Where in Ohio? Ohio. I grew up in Lima. 

Jessica Denson (02:17):
Oh, okay. Where is that in relation to one of the bigger cities? 

Angela Siefer (02:20):
Uh, it's like, um, between Toledo and Dayton. 

Jessica Denson (02:22):
Oh, okay. Okay. I live in Louisville, Kentucky, so I kind of have an idea about So you're close by. Yeah. Yeah. But yeah, they were yelling OH and then io. I, I have not heard that <laugh>. That was new for me, but it was interesting. But there were a few times when you were talking, I was like, oh, go Angela. Give 'em. Thank you, Jessica. I appreciate that. Yeah. So let's talk first about NDIA and what the organization is and what you do. You do a lot of great stuff in digital inclusion. So from your point of view, describe what the organization does, what its mission is, and, um, maybe how you're made up. 

Angela Siefer (02:52):
Yeah, sure. So NDIA is the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Uh, at the time that we formed NDIA, which was 10 years, NTIA wasn't doing the work they are now. So yes, these two acronyms are similar and confusing. <laugh>, uh, but in my defense, they weren't doing this work. 

Jessica Denson (03:08):
Then 

Angela Siefer (03:09):
Uhhuh, uh, so NDIA, we have about 2000 affiliates around the country, and these are organizations that are helping their community members get connected to the internet, understand how to use it, be safe, talk to their doctors, and get jobs and learn new skills. Uh, so n DIA's role is to support them. We are then intermediary with the federal government and we will, um, interpret policy and recommend policy changes to the federal government based upon the experience of these affiliates. But then also we create toolkits and guides and we help our folks talk to each other. 'cause a lot of times how we learn is peer-to-peer learning. 

Jessica Denson (03:41):
Yeah, for sure. Right? Yeah. Angela Siefer (03:42):

So we help, uh, you know, if you're working on something and somebody else is working on something, we should put those folks together so that they can build something together. So we do a lot of that. We have an annual conference. Uh, we'll be in Chicago this February. Oh, we're very excited. Sign up, everybody. Sign up. Uh, net inclusion is the name of our conference and we welcome everyone. 

Jessica Denson (04:00):
Um, in a, a landscape that sometimes is, how do I say this? With a little bit of time, is sometimes not so friendly currently, you know, you change, you go through different administrations, Angela Siefer (04:10):

Right. 

Jessica Denson (04:10):
Things change. At Connect Nation, we try to remain neutral, but also be an advocate. Yes. There's a, a balancing thing. So when in, in a landscape where words like equity or inclusion are sometimes currently not looked on positively, how do you navigate that or help your, your partners do that? 

Angela Siefer (04:27):
Yeah. Uh, so the what, the meaning behind the word equity and the meaning behind the word inclusion is what really matters. 

Jessica Denson (04:35):
Yes. 

Angela Siefer (04:35):
And so we try to really live that. So for us, digital equity is about everyone being able to participate in our current digital world and to, and the services, the digital inclusion services, this is everybody participating, but those digital inclusion services are services that meet people where they are. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So for us, that's the really the equity piece of it. So if someone needs a computer, we're not gonna talk to them about digital skills. And they already have digital skills. What they really need is the computer. Uh, so it's really meeting someone in their current 

Jessica Denson (05:05):
Situation and where they are. 

Angela Siefer (05:06):
Yeah. And so, and we're also trying to be super careful about not judging others if they need to use words or they can't use words because they might lose their job or some politic crazy political situation. Uh, that we are trying to adjust how we talk about this in as plain a language as we can. So everybody understands uhhuh. Because sometimes there are assumptions made because we use the words equity and inclusion and we think this is an opportunity, as crazy as that sounds, but an opportunity to be able to, to educate as to what it is this work is really about. 

Jessica Denson (05:38):
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense actually. And, uh, you, speaking of educate you, you mentioned that you've done some where you help with some toolkits and stuff like that. You've done some, you've done a lot of great research within this space, right? Yeah. What are some things that either that you really hold up as, um, good examples of us having made some progress in some areas that we to still do a lot of work? Yeah. Uh, one of the things that I'm so 

Angela Siefer (05:59):
Most excited about is the proliferation, the expansion of the digital navigator model. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So this is the model started. We started NDIA started talking to our community members about it. 'cause they were already doing it. They were calling it different things. And so we just helped define what it is that was already happening and we documented it. And so we have lots of resources on our website for folks to be able to utilize that model in their own communities and adjust it for however they need to adjust it. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. But the fact that it's expanded as much as it has, and that term has caught on, uh, is really pretty exciting because it shows that kind of local we are going to help our community members. The local level, the digital inclusion work really, it ultimately is, is local. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Right. You have to trust where this, this information's coming from because technology is intimidating. And we all have to admit technology has hurt people. We all know somebody who's been scammed.

Jessica Denson (06:49):
Yes. 

Angela Siefer (06:50):
So where that information coming from is needs to come from a trusted source. And that is a local person. Yeah. I 

Jessica Denson (06:55):
Talked to a digital navigator yesterday from C oh Good. SU Pueblo, and they were, they, I love that she talked about how great NDIA is. And speaking of which, you've been around for about 10 years and you've done a fantastic job. You've actually, you've personally actually got a lot of accolades. Like, um, I can't think of something off the top of my head, but I know I've read something recently <laugh> and I apologize for that. It's fine. But you, for the great work you've done, thanks John. And well deserved. It's not, how does that feel? How did you get it to this point? Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, where did it begin? It just, it's just, you know, a little history of the 

Angela Siefer (07:29):
Organization. Yeah. So I've been doing this kind of work for about 30 years. We've called it different things over the decades, right? Uhhuh, <affirmative>. Uh, but then 10 years ago when I was talking to colleagues, we were, there was an understanding that Lifeline was being modernized. And the folks that the FCC had no idea that there were digital inclusion programs on the ground, helping their community members get connected and understand how to use the internet. So that's when we started to form this idea of how creating an organization, and then once you start pulling people together, we're very careful that we always meet the needs of that community. So our purpose is to support them. So when they're clear about different directions they're going, then we need to support them in those directions. So right now we're, we started hearing of folks teaching AI skills, uhhuh. So NDIA is helping our community members develop AI skills training integrated into basic digital skills training. 'cause it doesn't necessarily need to be a separate class, but it does need to be integrated into the skills training that's already occurring. 

Jessica Denson (08:26):
Yeah. That has to be a little bit challenging with, you know, you're dealing basic stuff. Some basic stuff like email or how do you use that? Or how do you protect yourself online? But also there's this another thing that, can you tell me about it? How do you tackle that? 

Angela Siefer (08:38):
So we actually are doing it in, in a way that is, I'm super excited about, which is showing how AI is already in the tools that they're learning how to use. So when we're teaching folks how to use a browser, oh, this first response that comes up, it's an AI response. Do you trust it? Do not trust it. Um, how do you, um, know what you can rely upon? And then when you're, uh, working in your Gmail and it recommends the next phrase or it recommends something to you, oh, that turns out that's ai. So we're teaching folks what it is before we even get to a large language model. 

Jessica Denson (09:11):
That's fantastic. 

Angela Siefer (09:11):
'cause then that feels more accessible. Like, oh, this is, this is actually kind of helpful. Sometimes it's wrong and we need to recognize when it's wrong and we need to recognize there's bias, but it feels more, uh, like it's something that they can grasp more quickly. All of us, myself included, can grasp more quickly when it's already in a tool that I'm using. 

Jessica Denson (09:29):
I love that you said sometimes it's wrong because it is, it's only as good as the information that goes into it. Right. And so that's an important piece of that. So you've been doing this, you mentioned for 30 years, and so it's obviously something you really care about. I do. Yeah. Well, where did that come from for you? 

Angela Siefer (09:45):
I'm not sure it came from one place. I, I can't tell one story that has meant a lot to me that my dad passed away about 14 years ago. And he had been really sick. And, uh, the VA amazingly 15 years ago sent him home with a remote monitoring device. And, uh, he didn't. So we, you know, we were, US kids were the ones crawling under his desk to set up his computer and the internet and this remote monitoring device and that remote monitoring device saved his life multiple times. My dad lived longer because that remote monitoring device would actually contact a nurse. The nurse would look at those results and then they would call the squad and Right. So then his life would, would, was extended. And we get to spend more time with him than we would have otherwise. And I think, uh, that particular situation was a situation that to me was like, I have to stay in this role because, um, and in this field, I should say the role didn't exist yet. Uh, because the impact is so great. 

Jessica Denson (10:40):
Yeah. Telehealth, you know, we really started to talk about it more and more with the pandemic. But like you said, with remote devices, the most remote monitoring everything from heart to diabetes to issues, it's amazing. Yeah. It's amazing what's out there. And then you throw in the rural piece of fewer hospitals, fewer, less access to specialists. Um, it just seems to grow and grow and grow. Where do you think, in your opinion, just in your opinion, and I'm, I'm actually I'm asking, asking you to think in the future a little bit. Okay. In your opinion, what is the next big thing that we're really gonna have to look out for that we really need to think about? Like, we gotta bring everybody along. 

Angela Siefer (11:17):
I think it is that AI scaling, uhhuh <affirmative> that, um, it is causing the next digital divide. One of the issues that came up on that panel was are we solving the digital divide with all this infrastructure? Um, I am adamant we are not solving the digital divide with infrastructure. I don't think that technology can actually solve the digital divide. It's a very human problem. And we need more humans engaged in the work. Uh, teaching those skills. And even setting up the infrastructure requires all humans. And that AI piece of it means that we all need to be figuring out and understanding ai. It's just the next iteration of our tech, right? All the folks who are like, no, no, I can't use the internet. It's this. Now there are people saying, oh, no, no, I can't use ai. Well go, you know? Did that work out for the folks who said they couldn't use the internet 20 years ago? No, because now we're still helping them use it because now they don't have a choice anymore. Just as AI is gonna be integrated in everything, you won't have a choice. 

Jessica Denson (12:11):
So we've kind of learned this lesson that we need to, 

Angela Siefer (12:13):
Yes. I feel like we have learned this lesson. <laugh>, uh, I, I remember the day, years past, I would say, well, you know, no, people don't have to use the internet now. I say, look, I don't mean to be the bad guy, but yeah, you really do have to use the internet. 'cause if you're not using the internet, somebody else is using it for you. You have a proxy somewhere. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Uh, and I think some of the changes we're seeing right now around work requirements to receive health benefits, you have to fill those out online. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So you may not have wanted to use the internet, but if you wanna get those benefits, you're gonna have to get online to do that. There's no choice. The choice 

Jessica Denson (12:46):
Has been taken from us. It really has everything from applying for just a job or looking for resources or connecting with people you love even. That's right. Yeah. And as much as the pandemic was bad, the good side of it was to help people understand that more, I think. 

Angela Siefer (13:00):
Yes. 

Jessica Denson (13:00):
Um, so what, what's a normal day for you, 

Angela Siefer (13:04):
Uh, 

Jessica Denson (13:04):
As the executive director? 

Angela Siefer (13:05):
My days are different. Always different. Uh, there's the usual management kind of stuff of my team. I have an incredible team and I want them to be awesome. So the support of them. But then, um, there's figuring out what the next projects are. Fundraising, ah, <laugh> <laugh>, the fundraising is a, you know, can be, uh, overwhelming at times, but it's so essential to be able to continue doing our work. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Uh, the policy work. I love the policy work, even though I have a policy director, she and I have the conversations to figure out which direction we're going on various policies. 

Jessica Denson (13:34):
So where do you, where are you based out of? Are you still based out of Ohio 

Angela Siefer (13:37):
Or are you in dc I'm in Ohio. Uh, and my team is distributed. Uh, I think can, is it all remote? We can have, yes. It's amazing that the, they can live wherever they want to 

Jessica Denson (13:45):
Live. That's what we have as well too. Yeah. I love it. I just love, I'll just say woman to woman. I love seeing a woman lead such an important organization that's doing, doing great things out in this space. 

Angela Siefer (13:55):
Yes. Yes. 

Jessica Denson (13:56):
I 

Angela Siefer (13:56):
Totally understand that. 

Jessica Denson (13:57):
Yeah. <laugh> and seeing that you have such a powerful voice in that. Um, where would you like to see your, the organization, not your organization, the organization go in the next five, 10 years mm-hmm <affirmative>. Whether you're leading it or not. 

Angela Siefer (14:10):
Yeah. Right. Uh, I think it is, it's doing what we're doing now and probably in ways where whoever is leading it doesn't have to worry about how they're gonna raise the money in the next whatever year. Uh, but being able to still provide that support to our affiliates all over the country and have that influence on public policy. And, um, we have created a community where they really support each other. So making sure that we never lose that community. That's, that's really what this is all about. 

Jessica Denson (14:39):
And within that space, where do, what do you think is the role of things like bead and ISPs and the manufacturers? Do they have a, do they have some responsibility for this 

Angela Siefer (14:49):
Digital piece? I, I do. I do think they have responsibility and I, we're still trying to help them see that responsibility and help them engage in it. 'cause I, I would rather not lay it on as a responsibility, but rather as a look, this benefits you, so be a part of the solution because in the end, your bottom line is stronger. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. It's more, is a higher number maybe than if the digital inclusion work didn't exist. And so bringing them as part, and there are a few who are mm-hmm <affirmative>. Some of the smaller ones in the, in the community owned, are very engaged in their communities. Digital Sea is a great example in Cleveland. And there are some bigger ones that are also have been very supportive of digital inclusion work. Comcast is a great example. Um, but we need all of them to be engaging and we're not fully there yet. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And engaging in their local communities and also engaging at a national level, 

Jessica Denson (15:40):
I would think. It seems like a simple thing. The more people that understand and can use the internet, the more people will subscribe. <laugh>. Yeah. It is. Right. Your adoption numbers go up. Right, 

Angela Siefer (15:50):
Right. When they understand what they're doing and feel safe, 

Jessica Denson (15:54):
What do you, what is your opinion? And I, I know that you've gotta go in a moment, so I'll just, I'll just two more questions. Okay. What is your opinion about the, a lot of the, the big data centers that are being built, the hype blood scale, scalers, do they also have some sort of role within those communities 

Angela Siefer (16:08):
For that? Uh, I, I think they do. We haven't quite figured that out yet. If we are, of course worried about the, um, the, I impacts on the environment with the data centers mm-hmm <affirmative>. If they're going to be there, then they do need to be good neighbors. So, you know, being safe or with their neighbors and not polluting the spaces that they're in. Uh, and um, yeah, I think there's, there's a digital equity aspect to that, that we're still diving into. 

Jessica Denson (16:32):
And if somebody wants to get involved with NDIA mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, a group, an organization. Yes. Or if they wanna have conversations about what can we do to help with this, what should they 

Angela Siefer (16:39):
Do? So, uh, we're pretty easy to find. Digital inclusion.org is our website. There's a join button, so click that and you'll see the different options on how to engage with us. We have different sponsorship opportunities. We have Digital Inclusion Week coming up this, uh, October. So that's very exciting. We always look for sponsors for that. And then the conference that we're gonna have in February, 

Jessica Denson (16:58):
Net conclusion. 

Angela Siefer (16:58):
Net inclusion, 

Jessica Denson (16:59):
Inclusion. 

Angela Siefer (16:59):
Yes. 

Jessica Denson (16:59):
Alright. Well, Angela c Seafer, I really appreciate it. I appreciated your voice on that panel. Thanks. And I appreciate you sitting down and talking to me. I appreciate you. Have a great day. You too. I'll continue our coverage from Mountain Connect 2025 on the next episode of Connected Nation. Until then, I'm Jessica Denson and this is Connected Nation. If you like our show and wanna know more about us, head to connect nation.org or find our latest episodes on all major podcasts.